A CAMPAIGN is under way to help prevent older people in West Devon suffering falls in their own homes. Entitled, 'Speak Up! Check Up! Take Up!', the campaign aims to encourage the elderly to tell people if they fall, find out how they can reduce the risk of falling and to take up physical exercise. The campaign, launched by Devon County Council and the Devon Primary Care Trust, is working with providers of 32 sheltered housing schemes across Devon. It includes falls awareness training for staff as well as the carers and family members of tenants in sheltered housing. The tenants will be able to take part in activities that will reduce their risk of falling, help them identify risks that can lead to a fall and teach them how they can avoid these risks. Each housing scheme will also encourage tenants to remain active, helping their strength, balance, confidence and flexibility — all of which are vital to avoid falls. Ann Wilson, clinical specialist for the PCT's falls prevention service, said: 'The main aim of the campaign is to improve people's quality of life and enable people to remain as independent as possible. 'With support, people's quality of life can be vastly improved as the fear of falling is removed. Knowing how to identify the risks and what to do in the event of a fall improves self confidence and the ability to remain independent at home. Devon County Council's executive member for adult services, Cllr John Rawlinson, added: 'Falls are often accepted by older people as a symptom of getting old and some people are reluctant to admit they have fallen to others. 'The problem with this is that falls can, and often do, lead to significant health complications that can seriouslyy diminish people's quality of life. 'Help is now available to people. 'Through this campaign, we're working with tenants in sheltered housing schemes encouraging people to tell others if they fall, learn how to help themselves and to take up exercise which can help minimise falls.' Included among the 32 housing schemes taking part are The Corn and Hillfield, South Zeal, Briar Tor, Yelverton, Moorview, Hatherleigh, Cranley Gardens, Chagford, Phoenix Close, Horrabridge, and Crelake Close and Pinder Court in Tavistock. Around one third of people older than 65 are known to fall once or more each year, with 20 percent of these requiring medical attention. Falls in the elderly can, potentially, be a major cause of pain and disability resulting in a loss of independence. Associated costs to health and social care authorities are also significant and are rising year on year.
