South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched an online falls prevention platform to help the community of Hambleton and Richmondshire to feel safer and steadier on their feet.
Falls in the community are a common cause of pain, distress and injury and can often lead to emergency care admissions.
However, the falls prevention team in Hambleton and Richmondshire are advising anyone at risk of falls to visit the Steady On Your Feet website to access practical tips and guidance on staying active, independent and safe during everyday activities.
The team are encouraging people to complete the website’s online self-assessment form to receive a free personalised falls action plan tailored to their needs.
People can also complete an online home safety check, download practical strength and flexibility exercise programmes and videos and access links to local support services in the Hambleton and Richmondshire area.
Tina Wiffen, clinical lead for the specialist falls prevention team said:
“When a person falls or feels unsteady on their feet, it can really knock their confidence and reduce their independence, so we have launched the Steady On Your Feet platform in Hambleton and Richmondshire to provide people with helpful falls prevention advice, guidance and resources that can be easily incorporated into their daily routine.
“Falls not only affect the individual but their family members and carers too, so whether you are an individual wanting to improve your own health and wellbeing or a family member or health professional wanting to provide support to others – the Steady On Your Feet platform can help you.
“It provides everything from support with balance and dizziness, to identifying potential hazards around the home.
“It’s a one stop shop for falls prevention advice and I hope it will give people the confidence to take small steps to improving their health, wellbeing and independence.”
According to NHS England, around one in three adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year.
Somebody who would benefit from the Steady On Your Feet platform is Diana Lees from Northallerton who was referred to the Hambleton and Richmondshire community falls team in 2024.
Despite being an active walker, Diana had experienced several falls over the years, but it was a visit to her friend in Lancaster that ended with a split lip and broken glasses.
Over the course of six months, Diana embarked on a strength and balance exercise plan with the support of therapy assistant practitioner, Michelle Carter and was soon back to completing eight-mile walks and up-hill hikes with friends and daily walks with her dog Poppy.
She said: “Falling really knocked my confidence and made daily activities that I enjoyed doing, more difficult.
“I can’t thank Michelle enough for creating a personalised programme of exercises to suit my needs. They’ve not only helped to build up my strength physically but mentally too – I am steadier on my feet and my health and wellbeing is better than it has ever been.
“I can’t wait to tell my friends that they can now create their own personalised falls plan – without needing to be referred.
“Some of them are isolated in their homes, so the fact that it can be accessed online is perfect.”
Anyone wanting to access the website can do so by visiting www.steadyonyourfeet.com and selecting Hambleton and Richmondshire from the drop-down menu.
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