Falls Prevention

Steady and Strong classes are designed to help people over 65 to improve strength and balance, helping you to live independently for longer. Steady and Strong instructors have specialist training to deliver exercises proven to reduce falls. Regardless of your age, you will be made very welcome. Find a class near you and simply call one of the instructors for more information and to book your place.

If you have had a fall in the last three months you may be eligible for support through the NHS, which can include NHS balance classes. Please talk to your GP about local NHS falls services that might be available in your area.

To find your local Steady and Strong class, use the search function below.

• Find your local Steady and Strong class
• Steady and strong information leaflet
• Home exercise booklets for use in between Steady and Strong classes

Steady and Strong Dance classes blend exercises proven to improve strength and balance with choreographed movements to create a fun and enjoyable class which you can adapt to your own pace. The classes support people aged 65 and above to regain and maintain their strength and balance, which are vital for avoiding falls and living life independently.
Steady and Strong Dance instructors are all experienced in teaching movement classes to older people. They combine specific exercises proven to prevent falls and improve strength and balance, with the creativity and energy of dance. 
No prior dance or exercise experience is necessary. Movements will be done both seated and standing, with chair support for those who require it.
 
Class details:
The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE
Wednesdays 
2pm-3pm
New term starts on 18 September 2019
Contact Ella Frampton - 07933 194920
£5 per class
  
St. Boniface Church, Hursley Road, Chandler's Ford, SO53 2FT
Thursdays
10.30am-11:30am
New class starting on 5 September 2019
Contact Nicola Kelly – 01962 846605
£5 per class

If you have had a fall you should inform your GP who may refer you to an NHS Falls Clinic and NHS balance class.

These exercises are designed to take approximately 20 minutes and will help you to improve your strength, balance and flexibility – all which will help you to continue to be active every day and prevent falls. Ideally you should follow these exercises at least twice a week but you may find building them into a daily routine is easier.

Download our easy to follow Better Balance for Life exercises

• Better Balance for Life 1
• Better Balance for Life 2

Falls Friends Champions increase awareness about preventing falls amongst their communities. They do this by delivering one-hour Falls Friends talks exploring the potential causes of falls and how to minimise these risks. Champions receive half a day’s training as well as all the resources they need to deliver Falls Friends talks.

Upcoming Falls Friends Champions training

Tuesday 10 September 2019
12pm - 4pm
Winfrid House
Boniface Close
Totton
SO40 3SJ
To book your place please visit Eventbrite for New Forest Tickets

Friday 4 October 2019
11.30am - 3.30pm
Eastoke Community Centre
1 Wheatlands Avenue
Hayling Island
PO11 9SG
To book your place please visit Eventbrite for Hayling Island Tickets

• Have your medications reviewed by your GP at least once a year. This is especially important if you take more than four medicines a day.
• Have your eye sight tested each year.
• Drinking alcohol can lead to loss of co-ordination and exaggerate the effects of some medicines. This can significantly increase the risk of a fall, particularly in older people.
• Make your home safer by removing potential slip and trip hazards and ensuring rooms are well lit.
• Wear clothes and footwear that you won’t trip over.

For further details about ways to reduce your risk of having a fall visit The NHS Choices website.  

Telecare - alarm systems and sensors to help reassure you and your relatives that you are safe in your home

Facing up to Falls -The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Falls Prevention exercise video - Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Get Up and Go - A Guide to Staying Steady - The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

How to reduce your risk of falling video - Age UK

A Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing - Age UK