Staying Steady: Fall Prevention and Support in Norwich
Falls are one of the most common and serious health risks facing older adults today. They can lead to reduced confidence, long-term health issues, and in many cases, a loss of independence. But the good news is that many falls are preventable with the right support, awareness, and care.
At Home Instead Norwich, we work closely with older adults and their families to reduce the risk of falls at home, while also encouraging confidence, strength, and mobility. And thanks to local partnerships and services, there’s a growing network of support available in our community.
Why Falls Prevention Matters
According to the World Health Organization, one in three adults over 60 and half of those over 80 experience a fall each year. In Norfolk alone, there were 3,505 emergency admissions due to falls in people aged 65+ in 2022–23.
Beyond the statistics, the personal impact can be huge: injuries, hospital stays, anxiety about future falls, and feeling less able to live freely.
That’s why a proactive approach makes all the difference.
Support Available in Norwich
Falls Prevention and Awareness – Age UK Norwich
Age UK Norwich offers a free Falls Prevention and Awareness service, which includes:
- Health coaching sessions using GaitSmart, a clever tool that assesses your walking, balance and strength to give you personalised exercises.
- A Falls Awareness group to help you build balance, mobility and confidence.
- A fantastic five-day exercise video programme led by health coach Tom, available on YouTube, designed to help improve strength and stability.
Occupational Therapy & Falls Clinics
The Falls Clinics, operated in partnership with the NHS, offer assessments and advice from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
Occupational Therapists can visit your home to assess for hazards, recommend equipment, or make practical suggestions to reduce your risk of falling.
Norfolk Swift Response
If you or a loved one has a fall and needs urgent non-emergency help, Norfolk Swift Response is a 24/7 service offering rapid support and reassurance.
📞 Call: 0344 800 8020 (Option 1)
What to Do After a Fall
If you’ve had a fall, try to stay calm. If you’re not injured, take your time to get up safely using a stable piece of furniture. If you can’t get up or feel hurt, call for help, use your emergency alarm button if you have one, or dial 999 for an ambulance. Always let your GP or family know that a fall has occurred, even if you don’t feel hurt.
Find more advice here: How to Get Up Safely After a Fall – Norfolk County Council
How Home Instead Norwich Helps
At Home Instead Norwich, our Care Professionals play an essential role in preventing falls. Here’s how:
- We carry out home risk assessments and suggest adjustments to remove trip hazards or improve safety.
- Our companionship-led care means someone is on hand to assist with movement, mobility, and confidence.
- We help clients maintain strength and balance through movement support and encouragement.
- We stay alert to any signs of unsteadiness or change in condition, and communicate closely with families or healthcare professionals as needed.
If a client has had a fall, we can adjust care routines to support recovery and help prevent further incidents. Our team works closely with local services like Age UK, NHS referrals and occupational therapy teams to create a circle of support.
Falls may be common, but they don’t have to be inevitable. With the right information, personalised support, and local resources, older adults in Norwich can stay independent, confident, and safer at home.
If you’re concerned about falls, either for yourself or a loved one, don’t wait. Contact us on 01603 963317 to see how we can help you or someone you care about stay safe and steady.