Falls Prevention Awareness Week (15-19 September)

This week marks Falls Prevention Awareness Week (15-19 September), and our Trust is highlighting its ongoing commitment to preventing falls—particularly among older adults. Falling is not an inevitable part of ageing, and most falls can be prevented through proactive, personalised care.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “From Awareness to Action”, reflecting the Trust’s focus on translating knowledge into meaningful interventions. Learn more about this work, as well as top tips to prevent falls in the home, below.

According to the National Institute on Aging (1 September 2023), more than one in four people aged 65 and older experience a fall each year, underscoring the importance of targeted prevention strategies.

Transforming falls care at West Middlesex

In response to rising fall-related admissions, particularly in Hounslow—which recorded the highest number of fallers presenting to Emergency Departments (ED) in London during 2023/2024—the ED and Acute Medicine (EDAM) Therapy Leads at West Middlesex University Hospital developed a pioneering falls pathway.

This new approach shifts the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, enabling early screening of patients who present to ED following a fall. The pathway supports multidisciplinary teams in meeting national targets for falls assessment and prevention, while promoting holistic, individualised care.

Key features of the pathway include:

• Comprehensive falls activity analysis
• Full post-falls assessments
• Personalised treatment plans
• Signposting and referrals to community partners for ongoing support

The impact of this initiative has been significant. During the 2024 pilot at West Middlesex, 79% of fallers not seen by the ED Therapy Team re-presented to ED within 30 days, compared to just 21% of those who were assessed and supported through the pathway. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of early intervention in reducing repeat falls and improving patient outcomes.

Tips to prevent falls at home:

• Ensure good lighting

• Wear well-fitting shoes with good soles and grip, try to avoid backless footwear

• Remove clutter and trip hazards e.g. trailing wires, rug

• Regular eye/ hearing tests: ensure glasses are clean and hearing aid batteries are charged

• Ensure good nutrition and hydration: High protein food help maintain muscles, calcium and vitamin D keeps bones strong. Dehydration can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.

How to get up from the floor: