PENSIONERS who found they were repeatedly losing their balance have regained their confidence by attending council-run exercise classes.

And now they have backed a new campaign to raise awareness of the sessions, in a bid to reduce the number of falls suffered by elderly people in Blackburn with Darwen.

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The ‘Fallstop’ scheme was launched after figures showed there were an estimated 5,400 falls in the borough last year, with many resulting in an emergency hospital admission.

It aims to raise awareness of simple steps people can take to stay on their feet, and a ‘pop-up living room’ will be created in The Mall on February 23, with shoppers invited to spot fall hazards.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has also distributed a leaflet across the borough with basic tips and information about its Wellbeing Service.

Jim Warner, 83, who suffered five falls at his Pleckgate Road home, now attends exercise classes at the United Reformed Church in Four Lane Ends.

The ex-policeman said: “The team are excellent and allow you to do everything at your own pace. It has made a marvellous difference to my overall balance and I feel much more confident getting around.”

And Ann Astley, 70, from Livesey, said: “The first fall I had was on the way back from Zumba class, would you believe? I was just coming down the steps and missed a step, I think due to my varifocals. It was very embarrassing because I rolled down right in front of a bus queue. A very nice man offered to call an ambulance, but I just dusted myself off. Another time I fell in the supermarket and almost ended up in the freezer cabinet. I also fell into a display in a charity shop. It wasn’t funny really though....

“But then when I was referred by the doctor I started coming to weekly classes. Just with balance and strengthening exercises, the difference has been amazing. I feel much more confident. In fact, so much so, that I have achieved my ambition of getting back out and about on my bike, which makes a big difference to my independence.”

Retired teacher Hilda Salter, 87, of Leamington Road, accessed the service via GP referral after experiencing some stiffness in her joints.

She said: “Although I was a bit unsure at first, before long I felt very comfortable and even started to enjoy the social aspect of it. There’s no doubt about it, this class is keeping me in my own house.”

Councillor Mohammed Khan, the council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Falls are one of the most common accidents, but in most cases they can be easily prevented.

“Simple changes such as getting regular eye tests, removing frayed carpets or clutter in the home and offering to help family or an older neighbour with simple home maintenance and DIY will reduce the likelihood of a fall and help keep people safe and well.”

You can contact the service on 01254 682037 or email wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk The NHS suggest if you have a fall and are hurt but you feel strong enough to get up, to get up slowly.

Doctors suggest you should roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed before using both hands to get up slowly.

Patients are then advised to hold on to the furniture with both hands to support yourself and, when you feel ready, slowly get up. Sit down and rest for a while before carrying on with your daily activities.

If you are hurt or unable to get up, try to get someone’s attention by calling out for help, banging on the wall or floor, or using your aid call button (if you have one). If possible, crawl to a telephone and dial 999 for an ambulance.

 

TIPS NOT TO TRIP

  • Regular activity and exercise
  • Wear shoes and slippers that fit, and avoid high heels and sandals.
  • Get your eyes and ears tested 
  • Some medications can cause balance problems. Get advice from chemist or GP.
  • Tell your GP or a care professional if you have fallen and ask them to put you in touch with a service that can help.
  • Keep an eye out for things at home that could cause you to slip, trip or fall
  • Don’t walk in the dark if you have to get up in the night. Use a nightlight or keep a torch by the bed.
  • Make sure floors are clear of trailing wires and flexes, clutter etc
  • If you need to change a bulb  get someone to help.
  • Cats and dogs can get under your feet so get them a collar with a bell.
  • Keep pathways clear of leaves and moss and take care with uneven paths and slippery surfaces, especially when it is wet or icy.