Obstacle course highlighting challenges faced by elderly people set up for Falls Awareness Week

An obstacle course designed to replicate some of the daily challenges elderly people face which can lead to falls was set up by the Royal Borough on Wednesday.

The Daily Living Made Easy event was part of Falls Awareness Week, which started on Wednesday, September 23.

Walking up stairs, collecting post and pouring a glass of water were just some of the tasks that had to be completed whilst blindfolded and wearing soundproof earmuffs.

Falls are the number one cause of injury, hospital A&E visits and death from an injury among people aged 65 and older.

Lorraine Parker-James, organiser, said: “Falls prevention has always been about ‘I’ve had a fall’ and trying to make things right.

“Today’s [Wednesday] daily living event is about showing you what changes you need to make in your home so you’re less likely to fall.”

Sheila Holmes, chairman of the Older Persons Partnership Board for the borough suffered a fall last year when a car went into her.

She said: “I was lucky because I knew who to contact and who would help me, not everyone is in the same position as me.

“It’s a very unpleasant experience. More doctors need to be referring patients to the rapid access clinic and more support needs to be given. Things such as hosting regular exercise classes for the elderly would make a huge difference.”

Express and Advertiser reporters Grace Witherden and David Lee were among those who tried out the obstacle course for themselves.

Visit www3.rbwm.gov.uk/info/200117/health_and_social_care/ for more information.