Falls Awareness Week: Fred’s story
During Falls Awareness Week, NHS Derby and Derbyshire is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of falling, starting with joining local strength and balance programmes that are proven to help people stay steady, safe, and independent.
Falls are a common health risk for older adults, but they aren’t inevitable. One in three people aged over 65 in Derby and Derbyshire will experience a fall each year, resulting in approximately 6,000 hospital visits.
Beyond the impact on the health system, falls can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence and reduced quality of life, but with the right support, falls can often be prevented.
Fred, a 92-year-old from Derby, was one of many older adults living with the fear of falling. He relied on furniture and a walking stick to get around his home and had even stopped going to his favourite magic circle group due to anxiety about going outside.
Recognising Fred’s risk, the Complex Care Team, part of the Team Up Derbyshire initiative, invited him to join a Falls Accelerator Pilot, a Derby-based Primary Care Network initiative, delivered by Primary Health Care Derby on behalf of Greater Derby PCN and Oakdale Park.
As part of the pilot, a team visited him at home, listened to his concerns, and looked at ways to make his daily life safer and easier. They noticed Fred was having trouble with his medication, moving around, and feeling confident enough to leave the house.
What happened next:
- Fred got advice and support to help him feel steadier on his feet
- He was referred for strength and balance classes
- His medicines were reviewed, making them safer and reducing side effects
- He was connected with local groups and services, helping him feel less isolated
- His home was checked for hazards, and small changes were suggested to make it safer
Strength and balance programmes are designed to help people build stronger muscles and improve their balance, making everyday movements like walking, standing up, or turning around, much safer.
For Fred, being referred to a local strength and balance programme run by Derby County Community Trust not only helped him feel steadier but also gave him the encouragement to get back out into the community and enjoy the things he loves.
The falls initiative has helped improve Fred’s physical safety, medication management and emotional wellbeing.
Janine Patton Strategic Management Lead, Team Up Derby said “Falls can have a serious impact on someone’s confidence, independence and overall wellbeing, but they’re not inevitable.
“With the right support, many falls can be prevented. With the right holistic intervention including Strength and balance programmes are a simple but powerful way to help people feel steadier on their feet, reduce their risk of falling, and stay active in their communities.
“Fred’s story is a brilliant example of how early intervention can make a real difference, not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.”
His story shows that falls prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents. It’s about helping people stay active, independent, and connected to their community. Early intervention can boost confidence, improve wellbeing, and even help people get back to doing the things they love.
If you or someone you know could benefit from strength and balance programmes, visit the Live Stronger for Longer page (for Derbyshire residents), or LiveWell Derby (for Derby City residents) to find out how to join a programme near you.