Avoiding Falls

Important information:

From 1 April 2011 Community Health Oxfordshire (CHO) integrates with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Information regarding Oxfordshire Falls Service has now moved across to Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s website and can be found here.

This page will be removed from NHS Oxfordshire’s website on 3 May 2011. Therefore please ensure that any bookmarks you have made to this page are updated.

Oxfordshire Falls Service

The Oxfordshire Falls Service works collaboratively across many organisations to provide a number of programmes that help reduce the risk of falls among older people. Older people are referred to the service by their local Intermediate Care Access Team.

A falls specialist, who is a specially qualified health professional, will be able to make an assessment about the risk of falling for an older person and then offer advice on how to reduce the risk of further falls.

The balance and safety programme runs once a week for six weeks and is for older people who have fallen. The programme covers a range of topics and helps people reduce the risk of further falls.

Services Provided

  • Sound Footing-raising awareness of falls prevention among older people
  • Nursing/residential home support- reducing the risk of falls in residential settings
  • Active Matters-which has trained volunteers to act as exercise tutors for older people
  • Sole Mates -which has trained volunteers to provide basic foot care to older people in their own homes
  • Healthwalks-group led walks which provide a safe, fun, free way to improve health and fitness

How To Reduce Your Risk Of A Fall

  • Keep physically active. Exercise helps increase your bone and muscle strength as well as your balance.
  • Eat healthily. Increase your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D. Make sure your diet is healthy and balanced and that you drink plenty of fluids.
  • Look after your feet. Wear sensible footwear, thin soled or flat shoes.
  • Check your home. Keep your home well lit. Remove objects that might cause you to trip. Avoid loose carpets and rugs.
  • Be aware of changes in your health. Have your eyesight checked regularly and make sure you take any medication you are prescribed properly.