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
Contact Ella Frampton - 07933 194920
£5 per class
  
St. Boniface Church, Hursley Road, Chandler's Ford, SO53 2FT
Thursdays
10.30am and 11.45am (two classes)
Contact Gabriel - 07440 419575
£5 per class

Romsey Abbey Church Rooms, Church Lane, Romsey, SO51 8EP
Wednesdays 
11.30am-12.30pm
New class starting on 6th November 2019
Contact Tori Caine - 023 8017 0828
£5.00 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 are volunteers or professionals who increase awareness about preventing falls amongst their communities by delivering Falls Friends talks. The talks explain the causes of falls and how to reduce risks, to enable people to continue to live healthy and independent lives.

Falls Friends talks are designed for anyone interested in helping to prevent someone from falling. They explore the potential causes of falls; such as medication, vision impairment, trip hazards, hydration and how to minimise these risks. The sessions last one hour and are suitable for people concerned about family members or friends, or their own risk of falling.

Champions receive half a day’s training, as well as all the resources they need to deliver the talks. If you would like to become a Falls Friends Champion, please email FallsPrevention@hants.gov.uk.

• 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