Take a steady step not a winter slip

November 24, 2015 by Southend Borough Council

Take a steady step not a winter slip

Tuesday 24th November 2015

DATE: Wednesday 25th November
TIME: 11:15am until 12:45pm
PLACE: The Plaza Centre, 600 Southchurch Road, Southend SS1 2PT
EVENT: This is one of the regular Staying Steady classes run by the Council’s Public Health Team, to help over 65s keep active and prevent falls

Clever classes to boost confidence and prevent falls are helping intrepid Southenders stand up to winter weather and relish their next steps.

The innovative ‘Staying Steady’ falls prevention classes have been arranged at 15 locations around the borough by the Council’s Public Health Team.

The classes last up to 16 weeks and are specifically designed for people over 65 who are wary of walking, have fallen or are unsteady on their feet. They also suit under 65s with reduced mobility. Local people who have attended the courses have had their lives transformed.

Mrs S, 78 was scared of falling, so a family member encouraged her to join the Staying Steady programme. When she arrived, she was unsteady on her feet, could not walk in a straight line without support, or get up from a chair unaided.

She looked forward to the classes and although she was a bit anxious at the beginning, managed to make friends with other class members. Over time she has become more confident with her walking and her fear of falling massively decreased.

At week 16, she was able to rise from a chair without support and continues to be more independent than before. Both she and her family are overjoyed.

Other class members have said:

“I’ve noticed I don’t get so out of breath now. I was gardening the other day, and realised I’d been out there all day. I couldn’t do that before.”
“It helps give me confidence with everyday living.”
“I’m 75 and I’d given up. Going down the High Street was daunting. I’d have to sit down half way. I always felt like I had to hold onto things. Now, it’s completely different. My friends can’t believe the difference in me. I noticed a difference after three weeks. I found out because the tutor did a talk in town. My daughter heard about it and thought – ‘this would be perfect for Mum.’ “
“It's not just the Staying Steady, it's the social too.”

Executive Councillor for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor James Moyies said: “These Southend classes are great for those residents who need extra help to keep mobile. They offer an excellent way to help strengthen leg muscles, improve balance and confidence when walking or climbing stairs”.

“Being more active brings all sorts of other health benefits, and - as the participants have observed - the social aspects of the classes help people to make new friends , which is really important at this time of year”.

“For more details of classes in your area, please ring 01702 461377 or ask your GP.”

Further information

Everyone is potentially at risk of having a fall during the winter, and a large proportion of hospital admissions for over 65s are fall-related.

Please note the following additional advice to avoid falls or minimise their impact:

• Check medication
• Undertake regular exercise
• Wear the correct fitting footwear
• Check your home for potential hazards.
• Go slowly to keep your balance. Plan for extra time.
• Ask for help if you walk across an icy pavement or road - try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are happy to help an older adult navigate a slippery walkway and you just have to ask.

As well as adding some of these tips into your daily routine, you could also include regular strength and balance exercises to lessen the risk of falling over.

Light activity, walking, gentle exercise, healthy nutrition all help to reduce the risk of injury from falling.

If you are on long-term medication, ask your GP to review your medicines annually and make sure you have regular eye tests. All falls should be reported to your GP.

Other ways to keep well this winter include:

• Make sure you get your flu jab if eligible.
• Keep yourself warm-each home to at least 18° C if you can.
• Always take your prescribed medicines as directed.
• Look out for other people who might need a bit of extra help this winter.
• If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious.