Over 70 older people attended our Falls Awareness Event at the Healthy Living Centre, Methold House, Worthing on Friday 25 June. Fifty people exchanged their sloppy slippers for new pairs with tread, 20 visitors tried a Tai Chi taster class and a further 20 took part in a taster exercise class. Exercise is a sure way to improve mobility and the taster classes proved just how easy and fun it can be.
The exercise taster was interrupted briefly when a 98 year old participant was inform
ed she had gone out and left the gas on. Luckily her upstairs neighbour, with a good sense of smell, called the gas company and an incident was averted. She was put in touch with the Community Partnership Team and Age UK’s HandyVan service who will be fitting a gas/carbon monoxide detector in the near future, much to the relief of her neighbours. This service is free of charge to people over 60 and older people can also have door and window locks checked, handrails fitted and smoke detectors. For more details ring 0845 026 1055. 
Guild Care staff acted out three very funny short playlets showing older people the risks they take when using bath mats; leave cables lying around; forget to take their medication or forget to have regular hearing and eyesight checks. Small things like not turning the light on when you are getting out of bed or wearing poorly fitted slippers or even someone else’s, can cause a fractured hip. Jacqui Swindells, Healthy Living Programme Manager said ‘Lots of people said the day had really raised their awareness of the many things that can cause a fall.' Many people who live on their own also expressed a keen interest in Red Assure’s personal alarm which alerts an operator if you need help in your own home.For more information on the Healthy Living Programme please ring 01930 528600.