Falls Film Launched in Torfaen
A new DVD aims to reduce the number of older people in Wales who injure themselves by falling over. Every month the Welsh Ambulance Service receives 20,000 calls from people aged over 65 who have tripped over. Around 400 beds a month in Welsh hospitals are occupied by someone who has been admitted following a fall.
Bron Afon Community Housing (who manage 8,000 homes in Torfaen) has produced a hard-hitting DVD packed full of useful hints and tips. It also includes interviews with older people talking about their experiences of falling over, trying to get help, and recovering from their injuries.
The DVD features Torfaen Council, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Wales Ambulance Service, Torfaen Local Health Board, and the Health and Safety Executive.
Anthony Arcari, Health and Safety Manager at Bron Afon, said: “I’ve worked with all the organisations who are involved when someone has a fall. When someone falls over the consequences are huge. The injured person loses confidence and it costs the NHS thousands of pounds to treat them. When they leave hospital they may need to have adaptations to their home which has an impact on housing providers such as Bron Afon. The council’s social workers then spend a lot of time rehabilitating them.”
The entire project has cost £21,000 (funded by Torfaen Council) - the same amount it costs to treat one person with a fractured hip (including physiotherapy and social care).
Anthony added: “This DVD is going to be distributed right across the UK so we hope people take on board the advice and listen to the real-life stories that it features. The tips are straightforward but by showing them on a DVD it means that people can see the simple things they can do to be safer at home.
“If just one person follows the advice and avoids a serious fall it will be worth it.”
Councillor Brian Mawby, executive member for health, social care and well-being, said Torfaen Council was delighted to support the film.
“Older people want to live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible. Unfortunately, even a relatively minor fall can sometimes be the catalyst for a loss of confidence and the end of that valued independence. This film highlights some of the reasons that falls occur and focuses attention on simple preventative measures. It will be invaluable to all those who support older people, both professionally and in an informal capacity.”
Four thousand copies will be distributed to doctors, social workers, sheltered housing complexes, nursing homes and occupational therapists, across the UK.
The film is being launched on Monday 1 December at County Hall in Cwmbran by Gwenda Thomas AM, the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services. The event is from 11am to 3pm. |