Cambridgeshire County Council signs up to Steady On Your Feet

Web-based tool  helps users to identify their risks of having a fall, with simple suggestions to stay active and independent. 

It’s an unfortunate fact that as we get older the risk of falling increases. For many people over the age of 65, falling is a common problem. A fall can do serious physical damage, leading to hospital care. Even when a person is only mildly hurt, falls can lead to loss of confidence and independence.

Photo by Lucian Alexe

This week is Falls Prevention Week and to mark it, Cambridgeshire County Council has launched the Steady On Your Feet in the region.  

The web-based tool features an interactive self-assessment that guides users through their own potential risks of falling. There’s guidance and a resource to help users stay active, independent and safe. 

It’s been developed by Better, and designed for use in NHS trusts, care organisations and local authorities, as well as by individuals, bringing health stakeholders together in an integrated, regional approach to care. Steady On Your Feet is already operating successfully in Devon, Northamptonshire and South Tees. 

Jyoti Atri, Director of Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council, says: ‘The theme of this year’s Falls Prevention Week is ‘Turn Awareness into Action’, and Steady on your Feet is the ideal way to take action. 

‘Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in older people, particularly as winter approaches and the weather gets colder and wetter. But many falls are avoidable, particularly if you understand your personal risks and act now to keep doing the things you enjoy. 

‘Steady on Your Feet is easy to use, asking a short series of questions to help understand any individual risks you might have and providing an action plan to keep you active and independent while increasing your confidence and reducing the risk of falling. Suggested steps to prevent a fall might include arranging an eye or hearing test, increasing your activity levels and eating a balanced diet, or even looking after your feet and making sure you wear supportive footwear with non-slip soles. 

‘You can fill in the risk checker yourself, or ask a family member or friend if you need extra help.’ 

Cllr Richard Howitt, Chair of the council’s Adults and Health Committee, adds: ‘With one in three 65-year-olds having experienced a fall, I’m pleased that we are launching this new risk checker which will help our residents stay stronger for longer. 

‘This is a fantastic example of a tool which supports our ambitions to reduce health inequalities, and for people to enjoy healthy, safe, and independent lives through timely support that is most suited to their needs. 

‘Please encourage your older friends and family members to use Steady on Your Feet and help protect them from avoidable injuries.’ 

In related news:

Interview: HUG by LAUGH — the science of teddy bears for people living with dementia

Digital phonelines for all GPs by March

100th organisation joins ReferKent to support vulnerable residents