Falls awareness events

Older residents in two areas of the county are being invited to an event which could help reduce their risk of falling.

The Camu ‘Mlaen (Step Forward) events are being held in the Llwynhendy and Ammanford communities.

Over 500 people, aged over 75, are being invited to attend through their local surgeries – Adfer Medical Group in Llwynhendy, and Brynteg and Margaret Street practices in Ammanford.

Those who attend will have the opportunity of meeting with health and social care representatives and will get advice about the various support services in place to help reduce their risk of falling.

They will get advice about simple measures they can undertake, such as arranging to have grab-rails installed at their home, or arranging for a foot care session.

They will also be able to take advantage of a range of health and wellbeing services, and can speak to representatives from various organisations on issues such as benefit entitlement and living independently.

Camu ‘Mlaen events are organised jointly by Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and the voluntary sector.

Rita Thomas, Joint Commissioning Officer for Older People, said: “Camu ‘Mlaen events have proven highly successful over the years, and have proven to help reduce the number of people being admitted to hospital accident and emergency units as a result of suffering a fall.”

Sue Morgan, Business Partner at the Adfer Medical Group, said: “The practice is delighted to be working with Hywel Dda Health Board and Carmarthenshire County Council to hold this Camu ‘Mlaen event. We hope that patients registered at the practice will attend on the day and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to gain advice and support.”

Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for health and social care, added: “These events are proven to work, and I hope that these two events will be as successful as others that have been held across Carmarthenshire.”