Falls are a major cause of disability for older people and every year around 1,750 people over the age of 65 die from a fall, they are the biggest cause of accidental death in the UK.

Most falls happen at home and the risk of falling increases with age with approximately 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 falling every year rising to 1 in 2 over the age of 80.

Many older people can no longer live independently after suffering a fall and 40% admissions into nursing homes are triggered by a fall.

Morecambe Bay PCT are working in partnership with other agencies to reduce the problems caused to older people by falling and help them to maintain an independent and healthy life.

A half day conference to celebrate the progress and share good practice on falls prevention within the Morecambe Bay area is being held on Wednesday 2nd February 2005 at the Heaves Hotel in Kendal. The conference will hear from a number of speakers and will launch a Falls Resource Pack offering information and advice on preventing falls, and a Screening Tool to identify people at risk of falls.

There has been an overwhelming response to the conference which demonstrates the commitment by staff from Health and Social Care, and Voluntary Agencies.

01539 797867/797874