Town of Cambridge helps residents over 65 prevent falls

THE Town of Cambridge helped local residents over 65 by running an Injury Matters falls prevention program.

The project involved 10 Cambridge residents undertaking pre-assessments by physiotherapists, before participating in two one-hour group classes over a six-week period at the Boulevard Centre in Floreat.

Participants learned how to prevent falls and were informed about the importance of leg strength in reducing the risk of falling.

The Town of Cambridge has a higher population of older adults compared to other towns in the Perth metropolitan area, making falls a huge concern for the community and those working to prevent injury.

Between 2011 and 2015, more than 5000 people were hospitalised due to a fall within the Town of Cambridge, well above the average.

Town of Cambridge community safety officer Claire Turnbull said participants found the classes positive, and they looked forward to the post-assessment to see how much stronger the participants are in their leg strength and flexibility.

“Having small groups has enabled the individuals to have a tailored program and for the physiotherapists to be able to provide individual attention to the clients throughout the class,” she said.