Remove Hazards campaign calls for WA seniors to stay on their feet

Running through to November, the Remove Hazards campaign encourages older adults to make their homes safer, check their eyesight, and wear safe footwear - simple changes to prevent falls and support healthy ageing.

Older adults can look forward to a series of community events throughout the campaign.

This includes a health and wellbeing event at the Mandurah Seniors Centre in November with guest speakers to provide information, tips and tricks to prevent falls and promote safety.

Remove Hazards grant recipients and friends at the Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre, Shire of Carnarvon, and South West Women's Health and Information Centre will also be running Remove Hazards grant programs in the community.

The WA Falls Report 2023 reinforces the significant impact of falls on the WA community.

Falls hospitalisations and fatalities in WA have seen a rising trend over the last few years, contributing to substantial state health expenditure and lengthy average hospital stays, particularly among older demographics.

According to Injury Matters' General Manager - Injury Prevention, Samantha Menezes, one in three people over the age of 65 have a fall each year, with some resulting in serious injury and hospitalisation.

"Yet falls are preventable - they don't just happen. By removing hazards, older people can reduce their risk of having a fall," she said.

"More than 50 per cent of falls happen in the home. Simple changes such as replacing torn carpets, removing mats, making sure your home is well lit, your eyesight is healthy and wearing supportive footwear, can go a long way to preventing falls in and around the home."

Older adults can use the home safety checklist on the Injury Matters website to remove hazards in and around the home, have their eyes tested at least every two years, and have annual podiatrist check-ups to maintain their independence.

www.injurymatters.org.au

Call 1300 30 35 40 for a free Remove Hazards information pack.

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