Falls Assessment and Education Service

Falls are not an inevitable part of growing older.

Many of us think that it’s just elderly people who are more vulnerable and likely to fall.  We don’t realise that when we reach the age of 45 or 50, balance and muscle strength begins to decline – and most of us don’t even notice it!  However, steps can be taken now to help prevent future falls and injury.

There are many things that you can do to keep yourself from falling, including exercises designed to improve muscle strength and balance.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advise that is it safe for all older adults to be physically active as much as their capacity allows. It is the number one thing we can do to reduce our falls risk. Did you know that exercise alone has been shown to reduce falls risk by 23%. Strength training can increase our muscle mass and help to improve bone strength which can reduce your risk of a fracture.

It is important for us to find ways to move more. You could:

• park further away in a car park
• go outside and feed the birds
• while waiting for the bus, walk around the bus stop
• do something during TV ad breaks
• get off the bus one stop earlier
• use the stairs
• do an exercise while the kettle boils

As well as reducing your falls risk, being physically active can:

• stop you feeling stiff and sore
• keep you alert
• give you an energy boost
• keep your bones and muscles strong
• keep you healthy, make daily activities easier to complete
• help you stay independent

Take a look at these helpful resources for exercise guidance:

• watch the Able Like Mable strength and balance video from Active Gloucestershire.
• read the Able Like Mable strength and balance booklet from Active Gloucestershire.
• chartered Society of Physiotherapy  Get Up and Go exercise video
• exercises from Royal Osteoporosis Society royal osteoporosis society UK exercise videos
• age UK has developed the following guidance: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/exercise/falls-prevention/
• find out how to get active whilst living with a health condition today. Be More Active Whilst Living With A Health Condition | We Are Undefeatable
• can you get up off the floor – Homerton Healthcare NHS FT have developed Getting up from the Floor after a Fall video.

If you are worried about how you can call for help if you do have a fall, each locality in Gloucestershire offers their own Pendent Alarm service.

Find out more about the services available in your area.

If you do not have a pendent alarm, we recommend you carry your mobile phone with you at all times so you are able to call for help.

This video by North West Ambulance Service is a very helpful resource and can help you think of changes that may be needed in your own home to make your environment safer. How you can help to prevent a fall at home

• Ensure your home is not cluttered – ask people to help you have a clear out if needs be, so you have clear walkways.
• Make sure you wear good supportive footwear which covers your whole foot both indoors and out – avoid mules or slippery socks.
• Make sure your home is well lit and warm enough. Think about a night light or motion sensor lighting if appropriate.
• Check any walking aids are appropriate and the rubber ferrules on the ends and / or the brakes are in good order.
• Check for trip hazards – frayed carpet, rugs, uneven ground and kerbs.

Gloucestershire Country Council Adult Social Care can help you stay independent, safe and well for as long as possible.

• Installation of stair rails, grab handles near doors with steps and these can be done on their 7 day Fast Track service.
• Home Modification Assessment to suggest modifications and/or equipment to make activities of daily living easier.

Call 01452 426 868 or email socialcare.enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk to complete a self referral.

Occupational therapy is about much more than work or basic daily tasks. An occupation can be anything you do in your day-to-day life — self‑care activities like washing, eating or sleeping; productive roles such as work, studying, caring or managing your home; and leisure activities like sports, hobbies or socialising. Occupational therapy focuses on improving your ability to carry out these everyday activities when you’re finding them difficult. It can help you build confidence, increase independence, and support your overall health and wellbeing.

An occupational therapist helps you live your best life – whether this is at home, at work or anywhere else. The focus is on your wellbeing and ability to participate in activities. It’s about being able to do the things you want and have to do.

Your can request a free occupational therapy assessment. Your therapist will consider your strengths, abilities and health care needs. They will find out what you want to be able to do and then can help find ways to make life easier and can discuss:

• specialist equipment to help with daily tasks – this could be through the Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service
• minor or major adaptations to your home

Contact the Adult Social Care Helpdesk to find out more and to request an assessment.

Sight problems are common in later life, so it’s important you look after your eyes in any way you can. Your vision plays a vital role in keeping you balanced, so having your eyes tested can help reduce your risk of a fall. Get your eyes and glasses prescription checked regularly – at least every 2 years. This is important even if you think your sight is fine, as opticians can detect eye conditions at an early stage.

Age UK – Eye health advice when getting older

Our hearing is essential to maintaining balance, so it’s important that you look after your ears and check for hearing problems.

The risk of hearing loss increases as we get older, but people often wait several years after noticing their hearing is getting worse before raising it with their doctor. Hearing can change very gradually, and we often don’t notice it at first, but if you are noticing that are needing people to repeat themselves more often than you used to, it is important to talk to you GP.

The problem may be something easily treated, such as a build-up of ear wax or an ear infection, or it may be that you need to be referred for a hearing test and prescribed an NHS digital hearing aid in one or both ears.

Age UK – Hearing loss in old age

Stay hydrated

• Fluid and caffeine intake for bladder and bowel health

Eat Well

• As well as drinking lots of fluids, eating a balanced diet is also important.
• Foods containing protein, helps us to maintain our muscle mass.
• Foods containing calcium keeps bones strong and Vitamin D helps us to absorb calcium from the food we eat – speak to you GP or pharmacist about Vitamin D supplements and an appropriate dose for you.

Alcohol  and smoking support

• Contact Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire on 0800 122 3788 or visit www.hlsglos.org for support to reduce or stop drinking alcohol or smoking.

Speak to your GP or healthcare team if:

• you are beginning to feel unsteady while walking
• you are having difficulty getting off the floor or out of a chair
• you are having difficulties with your hearing
• you are concerned about your memory
• you have fallen

If you or the person you know is blacking out or collapsing rather than falling through a trip, slip or loss of balance please inform the GP so that appropriate medical assessments can be arranged.

Ask your GP or pharmacist to review your medication every 12 months or if you become dizzy, especially on standing. If it’s difficult to organise or remember your tablets, ask for them to arrive in a dosette box.

Adult Social Care Helpdesk

• If you are worried about falling at home, call to enquire about stair rail installation via their Fast Track service.
• If daily activities around the house, or getting out is difficult, you can refer yourself for an occupational therapy or physiotherapy assessment.

Call 01452 426 868 or email socialcare.enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk to complete a self-referral.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service

• Call 0800 180 4140 to arrange for an environmental and home hazards assessment or a ‘safe and well’ check.

Physiotherapy

• Our Physiotherapy Service works with people to identify and maximise their ability to move and function. Find out more and self-refer here

Age UK

Gloucestershire offers advice and support for older people, their families and carers. Our Help Team are here to provide you with free, confidential, and independent advice. They can help with applying for blue badges, financial support, social isolation, and much more

• Click here for more information
• Age UK Gloucestershire | Dementia, Diagnosis and Memory Support

Podiatry

• Feet Whether indoors or outdoors, make sure you wear good supportive footwear with laces or velcro fastenings which covers your whole foot – avoid mules or slippery socks
• GHC Podiatry Service provides highly-specialist care for patients with significant foot complications.

Please note that toenail cutting is not available through podiatry. Please seek a chiropodist for this service.

Continence

People can experience problems with their bladder or bowel at any age, but as we get older, these problems can become more of an issue in day-to-day life.

• The NHS continence service provide care and support to patients experiencing bladder or bowel dysfunction.
• AgeUK have a helpful information booklet Age UK Bladder and bowel problems.

Digital Support

The Digital Hubs Project helps people in Gloucestershire who find it hard to use computers, the internet, or digital devices. They work with local community groups across the county to give free help and support so everyone can feel more confident using technology. The Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Initiative (DIGI) contact form.

Carer Support

Find out more about support for carers.

• Gloucestershire Health and Care Information for carers
• Gloucestershire Carers Hub.

Mental Health Support

• Gloucestershire Talking Therapies Service is free to access and offers support and treatment for stress, anxiety, depression and phobias. Find out more and self-refer by calling: 0800 073 2200 or visit: www.letstalkglos.nhs.uk 
• CanDo Supports adults living in Gloucestershire with mental health issues, but you do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to call. Open from 2pm – 9pm every day on: 0808 801 0606 or Email: cando@rethink.org

Managing Memory

• Managing Memory – Gloucestershire Health and Care provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment to people who are worried about memory.
• Age UK Gloucestershire – Dementia, Diagnosis and Memory Support If you or someone you care about has memory concerns, are on the Dementia Assessment Pathway, or has received a recent diagnosis of Dementia, Age UK Gloucestershire can help you navigate the pathways.

Monday

Tai Chi stances (9.30am-10.30am) Cirencester Rugby Club. 07909 874186

Strength and Balance Class (11am-12noon) Cirencester Rugby Club. 07909 874186

Senior Strong for over-50s (11.15am-12.15pm) Abbeyfields Community Centre, Winchcombe, GL54 5QH. 07306 334222

Stay Strong and Steady (1pm-2pm) The British Legion, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AR. 07957 546067

Senior Strong for over-50s (1.15am-2.15pm) Abbeyfields Community Centre, Winchcombe, GL54 5QH. 07306 334222

Chair Yoga (2.45pm-3.45pm) The Churn Project, Cirencester, GL7 2PY. 01285 380038

Tuesday

Tai Chi stances (9.30am-10.30am) Fairford Community Centre, GL7 4AF. 07909 874186

Stronger for Longer – strength & balance for older adults (10.30am-11.30am), Quenington Village Hall. 07817 724 878

Postural stability (11am-12noon) Fairford Community Centre, GL7 4AF. 07909 874186

Tai Chi (2pm-3pm) Freedom Leisure, Cirencester. 01285 654057

Move Together (1pm -2pm) Ashcroft Church, Cirencester, bookings essential. 01285 380038

Wednesday

Older population Circuit Class (9.30am-10.30am) Cirencester Rugby Club. 07909 874186

Older population Circuit Class (11am-12noon) Cirencester Rugby Club. 07909 874186

Seated exercise class for people with Parkinsons or MS (12.15pm-1pm) Stratton Village Hall, GL7 2NG. 01285 656986 or 07794 614962

Strength and Balance Exercise Class (2pm-2.45pm) United Church, South Cerney, GL7 5UA. 07794 614962 

Strength and Balance Class (1.45pm-2.45pm) Cirencester Rugby Club. 07909 874186

Active and Able (1.30pm-2.15pm) Freedom Leisure, Cirencester. 01285 654057 

Stronger for Longer – strength & balance for older adults (2pm-2.45pm),  United Church, South Cerney, GL7 5UA. 01285 656986 or 07794 614962

Thursday

Strength and Balance (9.30am-10.30am) Abbeyfield Community Centre, Winchcombe, GL54 5QH. 07740 309750

Stronger for Longer – strength & balance for older adults (10am-10.45am), Cirencester Baptist Churc. 07817 724 878

Stay Strong and Steady (1pm-2pm) The British Legion, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AR. 07957 546067

Stronger for Longer – strength & balance for older adults (2pm-2.45pm) Stratton Village Hall, GL7 2NG. 07817 724 878

Active Balance Class (2.30pm) – online via Zoom. 07817 851 214

Gentle Social Walking (10.30am-12noon) last Thursday of the month, The Long Table, Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NX. 01452 422660

Friday

Tai Chi stances (9.30am-10.30am) Fairford Community Centre, GL7 4AF. 07909 874186

Monday

Active Balance (10.30am – 11.30am) Woolaston Memorial Hall. Contact Active Wellbeing FoDDC 01594 812447

Falls Prevention – Beginners (1pm – 2pm) Corse & Staunton Village Hall. Jo Anne Hale – 07817 851 214

Falls Prevention – Graduate (2.30pm – 3.30pm) Corse & Staunton Village Hall. Jo Anne Hale – 07817 851 214

Movement for Strength and Balance (2pm – 3pm), West Dean Centre, Bream. Contact Rikki Sheppard 07769 658298 

Tuesday

Active Balance (11.30am – 12.30pm) Broadwell Memorial Hall. 01594 812447

Active Balance (12 noon – 1pm) Blakeney Village Hall.  07938 986983

Tai Chi (12 noon-1pm) Lydney Community Centre. 01594 812447

Active Balance (1.30pm-2.30pm) Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane. 01594 812447

Wednesday

Falls Prevention (10am – 11am) Hartpury Village Hall.  07803 345702

Active Balance (10am – 11am) Drybrook Rugby Club. 01594 812447

Active Balance (11.30am – 12.30pm) Drybrook Rugby Club. 01594 812447

Online GOGA referral class (1pm – 2pm) Online. 07803 345702

Active Balance (1.45pm – 2.45pm), Ruspidge Memorial Hall. 01594 812447

Thursday

Active Balance (10am – 11.45am) Latchen Room, Longhope.01594 812447

Strength and Balance (2pm – 3pm) Newent Community Centre. 07740 309750

Active Balance class (2.30pm-3.30pm) Online via Zoom. 07817 851 214

Friday

Gentle Tai Chi for Active Balance (11.15am – 12.15pm) Corse and Staunton Village Hall. 07803 345702

Falls Prevention (1pm – 2pm) Newent Memorial Hall. 07803 345702

Active Balance (2.30pm – 3.30pm) Newent Memorial Hall. Toni Vassiloudi. 07803 345702

Monday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Longlevens Community Centre, GL2 0AJ. 07596 969286

Forever Fit – over 50s (10am), Elmscroft Community Centre, Coronation Grove, GL2 0SS. 07306 334422

Yoga Flow (10am – 11am) Abbeydale Community Centre, Glevum Way, GL4 4BL. 07727 362388

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10.30am), Churchdown Community Centre. 07596 969286

Forever Fit – over 50s (11.15am) Elmscroft Community Centre, Coronation Grove, GL2 0SS. 07306 334422

Chair Yoga (11:15am – 12pm) Abbeydale Community Centre, Glevum Way, GL4 4BL. 07727 362388

strength and balance – Over 50s (12noon – 1pm) Gloucester Rugby Club, Kingsholm Stadium. 07562 609612

Senior Strong – over 50s (1.15pm – 2.15pm) Abbeydale Community Centre, Glevum Way, GL4 4BL. 07306 334422

Forever Fit – over 50s (2.30pm – 3:30pm) Abbeydale Community Centre, Glevum Way, GL4 4BL. 07306 334422

Tuesday

Active Balance (9am), Online on Zoom. 07803 345702

Fitness, Strength and Balance (9.45am), GL3 Community Hub, Churchdown. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Gloucester Community Church, St Luke’s, Stroud Rd. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (11.30am), Gala Community Hub, Longford. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (11.30am), Quedgeley Community Centre, GL2 4P. 07596 969286

Falls Prevention and Balance (12.15pm-1.15pm) Redwell Centre, Matson. 07872 563266

Senior Strong – over 50s (1.30pm) Highnam Community Centre, GL2 8DG. 07306 334422

Strength and Balance – Over 50s fitness (4pm) Apperley Village Hall, Sawpit Lane. 07562 609612

Circuits (6:30pm), Longlevens Community Centre, GL2 0AJ. 07562 609612

Wednesday

Seated Exercise for MS (11:30am – 12noon) Online via Zoom. 07794 614962

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Hucclecote Community Centre. 07596 969286

Falls Prevention and Balance (3.30pm-4.30pm) Oliver Close Residential Housing, Tuffley. 07872 563266

Thursday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Longlevens Community Centre, GL2 0AJ. 07596 969286

Seated Strength and Balance (10am) Brockworth Community Centre. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10.30am), Quedgeley Village Hall, GL2 4PE. 07503 876430

Seated Strength and Balance (11am) Brockworth Community Centre. 07596 969286

Falls Prevention and Balance (11am) Brockworth Free Church, Moorfield Road. 07872 563266

Active Balance Plus (12.15pm) St Andrews Church Hall, Churchdown, GL3 2JT. 07803 345702

Pilates (12.30pm) National  Waterways Museum, The Docks, 07562 609612

Active Balance (2.30pm) Online via Zoom. 07817 851 214

Friday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Grange Baptist Church, Tuffley, GL4 0PD. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Churchdown Community Centre, GL3 2JH. 07596 969286

Seated Strength and Balance (11.45am) Churchdown Community Centre, GL3 2JH. 07596 969286

Falls Prevention and Balance (1.30pm-2.30pm) Quedgeley Community Centre, GL2 4PJ. 07872 563266

Classes marked (+) require a Healthy Lifestyles Referral to attend. You can self-refer here or be referred by a health care professional

Monday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10.30am – 11.30am), Stonehouse Community Centre. 07596 969286

Strength and Balance (10am – 11am) Chalford Sport & Social Club. 01453 766321

Strength and Balance (10.30am) GL13 Community Hub. 01453 766321

Tai Chi (2.30pm) Active Lifestyles, Stroud. 01453 766321

Tuesday

Strength and Balance (11am – 12pm) Stinchcombe Village Hall. 01453 766321

Strength and Balance (12.30am – 1.30pm) Stinchcombe Village Hall. 01453 766321

Wednesday

Strength and Balance (10am – 11am), Stonehouse Baptist Church. 07596 969286

Strength and Balance seated MS (10am), Online via Zoom. 07794 614962

Strength and Balance (11.15am – 12.30pm) Maypole Village Hall. 01453 766321

Strength and Balance (12.30am – 1.30pm) Maypole Village Hall. 01453 766321

Tai Chi (12.30pm – 1.15pm) Active Lifestyles. 01453 766321

Thursday

Active Balance Class (2.30pm) – online via Zoom. 07817 851 214

Strength and Balance (10.30am – 11.30am) Arkell Community Centre, Nailsworth, GL6 0BG. 01453 766321

Strength and Balance (11.45am – 12.45am) Arkell Community Centre, Nailsworth, GL6 0BG. 01453 766321

Strength and Balance (2pm – 3pm) Chalford Sport & Social Club. 01453 766321

Friday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (11.30am – 12.30pm), Cashes Green Community Centre. 07596 969286

Tuesday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Tewkesbury Baptist Church, GL20 5DR. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (11am), Tewkesbury Baptist Church, GL20 5DR. 07596 969286

Fitness, Strength and Balance (11.45am), Bredon Village Hall, GL20 7QN. 07596 969286

Wednesday

Strength and Balance (10am), Marina Court, Trafalgar Road. 07740 309750

Seated Exercise for MS (11.30am – 12pm) Online via Zoom. 07794 614962

Thursday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Northway Community Hub, GL20 8QG. 07596 969286

50+ Circuit Session (1.30pm), The Wheatpieces Community Centre, GL20 7SP. 07596 969286

Active Balance Class (2.30pm) Online via Zoom. 07817 851 214

Friday

Fitness, Strength and Balance (10am), Watson Hall, Barton Street, GL20 5PX. 07596 969286

Monday

Strength and Balance (10.30am-11.30am) 12B Gloucester Rd, GL10 2PB. 07596 969286

Strength and Balance (10.30am-11.30am) GL13 Community Hub. 01453 766321

Choose2Move Pilates (12.15pm-1pm) Active Lifestyles Dursle. 01453 766321

Tuesday

Choose2Move Yoga (2.30pm-3.30pm) Active Lifestyles Dursley. 01453 766321

Wednesday

Strength and Balance (10am-11am) 12B Gloucester Rd, GL10 2PB. 07596 969286

Seated Exercise for MS (11.30am-12pm) Online via Zoom. 07794 614962

Choose2Move Yoga (11.45am-12.45pm) Active Lifestyles Dursley. 01453 766321

Thursday

Active Balance Class (2.30pm – 3.30pm). Online via Zoom. 07817 851 214