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Latest News |
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Checkmate
No, nothing to do with a certain boardgame, but a new campaign in Cornwall to raise awareness of the risks of falling and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.
Statistically, 30% of people over the age of 65 fall each year. In Cornwall, falls cause over half of the deaths from accidents in the older population and the majority of these are in the home. The Checkmate campaign (believed to be the first of its kind in the country) aims to warn those at risk, and those in contact with them, of the dangers. Pocket-sized cards have been produced for those who visit older people on a regular basis and who can perhaps help prevent accidents by pointing out certain dangers in advance. The person coming to read an older person's meter might be prompted to notice clutter on the stairs, loose mats or poorly-fitting slippers. They might be more alert to the fact that the person concerned seems more shaky than usual or that they have difficulty in focusing
The cards will be supported by posters. There will also be training sessions for those who want to know more about the exercises that can preserve bone health and about the actions to take in a crisis.
For further information please contact Angela Royle on 01209 313419 or e-mail angela.royle@cht.swest.nhs.uk .
Falls Prevention Steering Group
A countywide falls prevention steering group with representation from a wide variety of statutory and voluntary agencies across the health and social care community has developed a countywide strategy for the prevention and management of falls.
This will allow an integrated approach to the prevention and management of falls in Cornwall.
National Service Framework
In November 2000 the Government published the National Service Framework for Older People. This sets standards for the care of older people across health and social services. It has a section on falls. Standard 6 aims to reduce the number of falls which result in serious injury and ensure effective treatment and rehabilitation for those who have fallen. |
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