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22/10/2004
New measures to help prevent falls in elderly unveiled
Local councils are on track to establish specialist services for older people to reduce the harm done by falls, the health secretary has said today.
The specialist services will combine "novel measures" to prevent falls, screen those at risk and improve the treatment of those who suffer falls.
Local initiatives include 'sloppy slipper' exchanges - where older people can replace ill-fitting footwear which make falls more likely. These have been shown to cut the risk of falls by half. Other schemes include dancing classes and Tai Chi, both of which boost strength and balance.
More than 400,000 older people a year attend A&E departments as a result of an accidental fall and 14,000 people a year die in the UK as a result of osteoporotic hip fracture.
The NHS spends £1.7 billion a year on treating fractures from falling.
The Older People's National Service Framework, published in 2001, set a target of establishing local falls services across the country by April next year.
John Reid said: "The work the NHS and local authorities have done on this issue are an excellent demonstration of joint working to prevent avoidable pain and ensure those who do suffer injuries are cared for better."
(gmcg/mb)
The specialist services will combine "novel measures" to prevent falls, screen those at risk and improve the treatment of those who suffer falls.
Local initiatives include 'sloppy slipper' exchanges - where older people can replace ill-fitting footwear which make falls more likely. These have been shown to cut the risk of falls by half. Other schemes include dancing classes and Tai Chi, both of which boost strength and balance.
More than 400,000 older people a year attend A&E departments as a result of an accidental fall and 14,000 people a year die in the UK as a result of osteoporotic hip fracture.
The NHS spends £1.7 billion a year on treating fractures from falling.
The Older People's National Service Framework, published in 2001, set a target of establishing local falls services across the country by April next year.
John Reid said: "The work the NHS and local authorities have done on this issue are an excellent demonstration of joint working to prevent avoidable pain and ensure those who do suffer injuries are cared for better."
(gmcg/mb)
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