Protect yourself and your loved-ones from falls.
Falls are one of the biggest causes of hospital admissions for older people in Rhondda Cynon Taf – and partner agencies have put together a programme of support to assist.
Whether it is as a result of poor balance, badly fitting footwear, vision problems, or the physical environment such as steep stairs, wobbly garden steps or no handrails, having a fall can have a massive impact on the confidence and health of an older person.
It can also lead to lengthy hospital admissions and periods of rehabilitation as a result, all of which can affect an older person's sense of confidence. Over a third of people aged 65 or over fall every year – with this figure increasing to a hugely concerning 50 per cent for those aged 80 and over.
In Cwm Taf, approximately 70 people will attend A&E as a result of a fall each week.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and its partners have devised a programme of free events aimed at older residents, their family and neighbours and those who deliver care and support.
The sessions are free to access and are open to anyone who feels they could benefit from them.
They cover a range of issues, including: home safety checks, vision and hearing checks, feet and podiatry advice and managing medicine.
Councillor Geraint Hopkins, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Welsh Language, said: "We have recently won a national award for our partnership work with Cwm Taf University Health Board and Merthyr Tydfil Council to help residents Stay Well @ Home to reduce illness, injury, hospital admissions and lengthy ward stays.
"This innovative project to tackle falls awareness ensures that we – as friends, relatives and professionals – do as much as we can to tackle the causes and reduce the number of falls is so important.
"When you are older, being able to get around your home safely and independently is so important. A fall can knock confidence, lead to a hospital stay and affect a person's ability to live independently."
Events take place every week in October, November, some of December and January, from 2pm at the Garth Olwg Lifelong Learning Centre in Church Village.
The sessions are:
Oct 2: Introduction from Welsh Ambulance Service
Oct 9: Drink Wise, Age Well information service
Oct 16: Action on Hearing Loss
Oct 23: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service – home and fire safety checks
Nov 6: British Red Cross first aid
Nov 13: Introduction to gentle exercise – Tai Chi
Nov 20: Foot and nailcare advice
Nov 27: Public Health Wales – healthy eating, food and diet.
Dec 4: Cwm Taf Care and Repair – home maintenance and safety
Dec 11: National Falls Taskforce
Dec 18: Your Medicines, Your Health – managing medication safely
Jan 8: RNIB/ Eye Clinic Liaison Service visual impairment advice and support.
Jan 15: Community Coordinator – advice, support and project evaluation.
For more information on the sessions, to get involved and find out more, contact Hannah Watson via hannah.l.watson@rctcbc.gov.uk or 07799 132179.
