A-Z of Services

Life Events: Accident Prevention for Older People

It is easy to believe that inside our own homes we are safe but at home we often relax the caution we have when outside. This web page contains information on how to reduce the risk of having an accident in your home.

Most common accidents that occur in the home are:

Slips, trips and falls
Burns and scalds
Accidental poisoning

Get Your Eyes Tested

Over 60's get free eye test every 2 years. Contact an optician for further details.

Opticians Offers for Over 60's

This document is available to download in the following formats:

Opticians Offers for Over 60's - Word version 90Kb

Opticians Offers for Over 60's - PDF version 105Kb

Opticians Offers for Over 60's - RTF version 1Mb

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Link on the Adobe logo to download the software.

Adobe Acrobat documents can be converted back to plain text using Accessible Adobe® Reader.

To view and print Microsoft Word files, you must either have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, or you can download free Microsoft Word Viewer software.

Link on the logo to download the software

Shoes and Slippers

You are more likely to slip, trip or fall if you are wearing:

Slippers that are loose or have no back
Sandals
Shoes with heels

Wear flat shoes or shoes with thin soles or a built-in heel.

The Home

Lounge

Remove clutter to make moving around easier.
Avoid chairs with wheels so they cannot move when you try to sit or stand.

When you get out of bed, or off a chair after a long sit, it is a good idea to do it in slow stages.

A sudden drop in blood pressure often leads to light-headedness when you stand quickly.

Try tensing your arms and legs a few times before you stand as this often helps.

Stairs

Light up your stairs. Turn on lights at top and bottom of stairs.
Use the handrail. Handrails on both sides of the stairs can make climbing the stairs easier.
Avoid rushing.
Keep stairs and landings clear from clutter.

Take Care in the Bath or Shower

Avoid scalds - run hot and cold water together.
Use a non-slip mat in the bath and shower.
Have grab rails fitted to help keep balance while getting in and out of the bath and shower.

Cooking

Chip pans must never be more than one third full.
Use a Timer to remind you when cooking is ready.
Make sure all cooking appliances are turned off when you have finished cooking.
Keep everything you need close at hand or where you can easily reach it.

Alcohol

Accidents are more likely after drinking alcohol. This is because it slows down our ability to react to situations that occur.

Medicine

Take medicine as directed by your Doctor or pharmacist.
Never take medicines prescribed for someone else.
Keep medicines in their original packing.
Store medication together.
Keep medicines out of reach of children.
Speak to your Doctor if you think your medication is making you tired or dizzy.
Ask your pharmacist if there is anything you are unsure of regarding your medicine.

Diet

You are more likely to fall if you have missed meals or have a poor diet. Try not to miss meals.

If you struggle with cooking:

Wiltshire Farmfoods can deliver frozen ready meals direct to your door. For a free colour brochure FREEPHONE: 0800 773 773.

Most supermarkets also sell ready meals.

Several local establishments are offering a set-priced lunchtime menu for the over 60's.

Young at Heart - Pubs

This document is available to download in the following formats:

Young at Heart - Pubs - Word version 19Kb

Young at Heart - Pubs PDF version 61Kb

Young at Heart - Pubs - RTF version 17Kb

To view and print PDF files, you must have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader installed.

Link on the Adobe logo to download the software.

Adobe Acrobat documents can be converted back to plain text using Accessible Adobe® Reader.

To view and print Microsoft Word files, you must either have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, or you can download free Microsoft Word Viewer software.

Link on the logo to download the software

Home Fire Safety

Ensure your home is fitted with a working smoke alarm - smoke alarms do not prevent fires but will give you an early warning.

Never smoke in bed.
Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture.
Use electric blankets according to manufacturer's instructions. Have them regularly serviced and replace blankets that are over 10 years old or are showing signs of wear and tear.

To arrange for a free home fire safety check call 0800 169 1234.

Keep Moving

You are more likely to fall if you have weak muscles and poor balance.

A good way to make your muscles stronger and to improve your balance is to keep physically active.

Try to accumulate at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
Exercise can be fun - don't let age stand in your way!
Try something new and find something that you enjoy.

50+ Directory

EXTEND is a movement to music class specifically for older people.

Currently available at Springfield (retirement accommodation Rhosddu) Monday 2.30pm. Please contact 297018 for more details.

Walkabout Wrexham

Walks are led by trained volunteer walk leaders and are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It is a good opportunity to meet new people, get some fresh air and improve your fitness.

For more information on local walks contact: Anna Pollard or Alison Puddle on 01978 757524.

Before starting to get physically active speak to your Doctor.
Start gently.
Build-up slowly.
Don't try to do more than what you are comfortable with.

Accident Prevention Activities

Video

A video is being produced to highlight hazards that occur in the homes of older people and how small changes can be made to reduce the risk of this happening.