Welsh Charities Come Together to Help Protect Older People From Falls – Falls Awareness Week 2026

This September, Age Cymru , Age Connects Wales , and Care & Repair Cymru, are coming together to promote Falls Awareness Week.

Falls are a serious but often overlooked health concern. According to NHS Wales, one in three people over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall a year.

For John, who lives in Swansea, falls prevention and staying safe at home have become increasingly important as problems with his legs have affected his balance and mobility.

“They got worse and worse and now my balance has gone, and they just don’t work. The muscles have shrunk tremendously.”
Because of his balance issues, John is worried about falling. After receiving support from Age Cymru, who helped him claim the benefits he is entitled to, John was put in touch with Care & Repair Cymru to help make his home safer and reduce his risk of falls.

John said: “Someone visited within a fortnight, and the following week the work began. I had grab rails fitted at the front and back doors, as well as in the bathroom. The one by the bath was a lifesaver.”

As John’s balance continued to get worse, the council fitted a wet room and stairlift in his home. The wet room includes a shower chair and non-slip flooring, making bathing safer and easier.

“The difference it has made is incredible. I can have a shower whenever I want. Before, I couldn’t manage stepping over into the bath, so having a wet room has been a blessing.”

The stairlift has also had a huge impact on John’s daily life.

“I don’t know how I managed without it. We don’t have a downstairs toilet, and with my mobility problems, getting upstairs was becoming very difficult.”

John’s story shows how simple, practical adaptations around the home can help reduce the risk of falls and support people to live independently for longer.

The campaign is led by the National Falls Prevention Taskforce Wales – a partnership of health, social care and Welsh charities including Age Cymru, Care & Repair Cymru, Age Connects Wales, and multidisciplinary NHS staff in hospitals and community settings.

While not all falls lead to serious injury, they can often trigger a loss of confidence, reduced independence, and further health decline.

Preventing even a small number of these incidents has a significant impact on individuals, families, and the NHS.

Research by Care & Repair Cymru and Swansea University has shown that simple, low-cost home adaptations – like grab rails, improved lighting, or stair rails – reduce hospital admissions from falls by 17% in over-60s.

What people can do to reduce their risk of falls:

• Stay active: Exercises like Tai Chi, gentle walking, or chair-based classes can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
• Look after your home environment: Remove trip hazards such as trailing wires, loose rugs, and clutter from stairs and walkways.
• Check your health: Have regular sight and hearing tests, manage your medications with your GP or pharmacist, and keep an eye on your blood pressure.
• Eat well and stay hydrated: Good nutrition and adequate fluid intake support balance, concentration, and overall wellbeing.
• Care for your feet: Comfortable, supportive footwear and good foot care help prevent slips and improve stability.

If you’re worried about falling, the most important thing you can do is talk to someone. Your GP surgery can offer advice and may be able to refer you to local falls prevention services or a Falls Clinic.

About the National Falls Prevention Taskforce Wales

The Taskforce, led by Age Cymru, is an alliance of third sector organisations, NHS staff, emergency response services, and other stakeholders working together to reduce the number of falls in Wales. By pooling expertise and resources, the Taskforce is able to tackle falls prevention from multiple angles – from health checks and exercise programmes to home safety and public education.

Through national coordination and local delivery, the Taskforce supports practical interventions, education, and public engagement to keep people safe and independent for as long as possible.