How do you rate this page?
Every year hundreds of older people fall for a variety of reasons and hurt themselves. Many of these accidents take place at home and sometimes result in serious injury and hospitalisation.
There are a number of falls prevention programmes across Essex including many exercise programme schemes. These can help restore confidence and independence and aim to reduce the number of falls by improving mobility of those who may be at risk. You may need to be referred. Please contact your GP or Primary Care Trust for advice.
Falls Prevention Programmes
South Essex
Effective Exercise
This operates in South Essex. Currently classes are held at:
Contacts
Mid Essex
Falls Stop
What is Falls Stop?
Falls Stop is a 30 week course of exercise for older people which begins mainly with chair based and gradually progresses to more strenuous exercises. The exercise class is run by experienced specialist falls prevention activity instructors.
What to expect from the class.
The class will last one hour starting with a gentle warm up to loosen the joints and warm the muscles. There is then some stretching to improve flexibility. During the main part of the class there will be emphasis on strengthening the legs, arms, back, ankles and the pelvic floor muscles. Ball games are used to work on co-ordination and, reaction and balance. Finally you will be introduced to Tai Chi, a slow controlled form of exercise that has been shown to improve balance and posture.
Everyone's ability varies and everyone works at their own pace. There is a social element to the class and the class will end with tea and a chance to chat and make new friends.
What does it cost?
A voluntary contribution of £1-50 per class is requested and money for tea and coffee. Transport may be available for some of the classes. A small cost may be charged.
Where are Falls Stop Classes?
This scheme operates in Maldon and South Chelmsford. Currently classes are held at:
Contacts
North Essex
Colchester Ageing Well - Falls Prevention Project
Every year hundreds of people living in Colchester fall and hurt themselves. Most of these accidents happen in the home and often they lead to loss of confidence and independence. Sometimes they result in serious injury and a stay in hospital.
The aim of this project is to reduce the number of falls among older people by improving the health and well being of those who are at risk.
Who can come to classes?
To attend a class you must be 65+ and have had a fall, slip or trip within the last 12 months and be registered with a Colchester GP. You can refer yourself.
What happens next?
You will be visited at home by a volunteer who is specially selected and trained. They will complete a risk assessment with you and ask about your general health and lifestyle. This will include any falls you have had, any medicine you take and any other illnesses or difficulties you have.
You will then be contacted by a co-ordinator by letter or phone to discuss any support you may need. This could include a referral to a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, for minor home adaptations or to other schemes including the Warm Homes initiative or benefits advice as well as to the falls class itself.
Where are they held?
Many of the services and the classes are held at Central Clinic in Colchester Town Centre.
Contact
West Essex
Epping Forest Exercise Scheme
The aim of the scheme is to promote independence and improve mobility.
Regular physical exercise is important for older people. The fitter and more active an older person is the less likely they are to fall. Regular, gentle exercise can also relieve arthritis and swelling, improve balance and increase strength.
There are currently seven seated exercise classes for older people throughout Epping Forest with the scheme's own instructors.
30 more people have just completed training in order to hold seated exercise programmes in the homes or clubs in which they work.
New classes will be arranged in the near future for people who would like to voluntarily hold ' open to public' classes.
Contact
