Help prevent falls and trips
Don’t underestimate the consequences of an older person having a fall. A fall can result in broken hips or bones and even early death. In addition to the pain and distress a fall can cause, it can take away someone’s self-confidence, leaving them afraid to go out and socially isolated. The statistics on falls are staggering:
- 50% of people aged over 80 suffer a fall each year
- 33% of people aged over 65 suffer a fall each year
- 1 in 10 elderly falls result in serious injury
- 25% of all 999 calls are falls related
One way of reducing the chance of falling is by replacing old and worn slippers. Many people have a favourite pair of comfy slippers that could be potentially dangerous. Worn soles can easily lead to a slip and slippers that fit poorly can cause a trip.
The safest slippers are those with good quality non-slip rubber soles, are enclosed and have a fastener.
So, if you have a pair of old and worn slippers, please think about replacing them. And if you’ve got an elderly friend or relative think about giving them an early Christmas present of a new pair of slippers.
It’s almost time for a flu vaccination
GPs are encouraging people in at-risk groups to start thinking about getting their winter flu jab.
From September GP practices will be contacting patients in at-risk groups, informing them of their entitlement to a free NHS flu vaccination. For your convenience many GP practices will be operating walk- in flu clinics.
At risk-groups entitled to a free NHS flu vaccination from their GP:
- You are aged 65 years or over.
- You are pregnant.
- You are living in a long-stay residential care home.
- You are the carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.
- You are a child aged 2, 3 or 4 years.
- You are aged six months to 65 years and have a heart problem; a chest complaint or breathing difficulties including bronchitis and emphysema; a kidney disease; lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment); a liver disease; had a stroke or TIA; diabetes; a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; a problem with, or removal of, their spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.
If you are someone in an at risk group, or know someone who is, please don’t underestimate how serious flu can be. A serious case of flu could result in bronchitis or pneumonia, a worsening of your diabetes and for pregnant women premature labour or even stillbirth.
Gussy Alamein
Press Officer
gussy.alamein@suffolk.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01473 770014
Rushbrook House, Papermill Lane, Bramford IP8 4DE
For media enquiries between 5pm and 9am weekdays and all day weekends you should always call 01473 770012.