Avoiding clutter is one way to reduce the risk of falling in the home, older people have been advised.
Vicky Johnston, specialist physiotherapist for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, noted that clearing up any spills as and when they happen will also lower the risk of taking a tumble.
The problem is especially relevant to older people who may be at an increased risk of bone fractures from falling.
However, the latest National Audit of Falls and Bone Health in Older People found that the quality of services for the care and prevention of falls and fractures in the NHS varies to an unacceptable extent.
People might want to look into private services since, in many areas of the NHS, a gap was found between what the audit revealed and the standard of care that the organisation claimed to have on offer.
To lower the risk of falls in the home, Ms Johnston added: "Fix down, and remove, any loose rugs, carpets or trailing wires. It is important to have good lighting, especially in hallways and stairways."
© Adfero Ltd
Care of the elderly news : 20 May 2011
