Falls warning as Lancashire braces itself for an Arctic blast

Health chiefs are urging people at risk of falls to take extra care as Lancashire braces itself for an Arctic blast.
Cold weather is set to blast Lancashire as temperatures dropCold weather is set to blast Lancashire as temperatures drop
Cold weather is set to blast Lancashire as temperatures drop
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Cold weather set to blast Lancashire as temperatures drop

Figures show that around one in three adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls. As the wintry weather worsens health bosses expect an increasing number of people to be affected and require urgent care.

“Most falls don’t result in serious injury. However, there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn and feel as if they’ve lost their independence.”

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Dr Kieran Murphy, medical director, of NHS England (Lancashire and South Cumbria) said: “The natural ageing process means that older people have an increased risk of having a fall.

Most falls don’t result in serious injury.

“However, there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn and feel as if they’ve lost their independence.

“When the weather is really bad, the advice is to think really carefully about going out in the first place.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, added: “We would encourage all older people to take extra care when out and about.”