Health and wellbeing

Preventing falls

Effective falls and fracture prevention will make a positive difference to the lives of people living in Northamptonshire. Each year about one-third of all people over age 65 will fall. Many of these falls result in broken bones. The consequences of falls can be significant, particularly for older people.

Each year, around one in three people over the age of 65 has a fall resulting in significant injury. Falls are not an inevitable part of growing older, and there are lots of things you can do to help reduce the risk of falling. This includes speaking to your pharmacist about the medicines you are taking, making simple changes to the home environment, and doing exercises to improve strength and balance.

Find your nearest strength and balance class

Specialist assessment and advice is available from the Falls Prevention Service for those people who have a high fear of falling or a recent history of falling. It is open to anyone who lives in the county, and is made up of a multi-disciplinary team of specialist falls practitioners (including nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, a senior doctor and a podiatrist).

Referrals can be made via your GP or by contacting one of our advisors on 0300 126 1000.

In Northamptonshire, organisations are working in partnership to prevent falls and enable people to remain independent and well.

Together they have developed a new strategy which identifies the next steps that need to be taken to transform the county's falls prevention and bone health services.

Reducing falls and promoting bone health - A strategic commissioning framework for Northamptonshire (2015 to 2020) (PDF 1.3MB)

Please watch this short film which explains what is available in Northamptonshire to prevent falls. Gloria, who lives in the county, shares her personal experience and guides you through what you can do to prevent falls.