According to Age UK, every five hours an older person is killed by an accidental fall in the home – this is the equivalent to 1,500 people dying every year. Over 300,000 older people are so seriously injured by a fall in their home that they require hospital treatment.

As part of the National Falls Awareness week (18-22 June) Gwynedd Council will be working as part of the Gwynedd Falls Prevention Group to provide information to the public about this serious issue.

During the week, an information stall will be open to the public in the main reception area of the Council’s Caernarfon offices and information is also available at the Falls Prevention Clinic at Ysbyty Eryri in the town.

It will be an opportunity to find out more about practical steps on preventing falls in the home as well as information about support and activities available to prevent accidents.

Rachel Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Older People’s Strategy Officer, said: “The risk of having a fall increases as we get older as people may suffer from a loss of strength, balance problems, problems with their vision or maybe because of the side effects of medication.

“Falling over can cause serious injury and have a long term effect on an individual’s self confidence. Sadly we see people who have fallen not venturing out or thinking that they can no longer live by themselves.

“We aim to help people to prevent falls in the first place and would urge anyone who is interested in this issue – if they think they are at risk or are worried about a friend or member of the family – to call by one of the public displays.”