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What can you do to stay active, safe and healthy?

Here is a collection of ideas and resources that you can use to plan ahead in various ways. Keeping yourself fit and well, avoiding hazards, and preparing for emergency situations can all contribute to making your life safer and better.

Falls Prevention Service

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/service_description/falls-service/

Falls are not only the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. The Falls Service offers help and advice to help older people avoid falls and to regain confidence if they have fallen. Their emphasis is on assessment, rehabilitation and exercise as this is the most important intervention that helps to reduce falls and fractures.

Be prepared for emergencies: advice and toolkit from Carers Oxfordshire

Preparation can make things far easier for you and those who support you if an emergency arises. Although it can sometimes be uncomfortable to think about such things, a little time thinking about your plans will provide enormous benefits in difficult or stressful situations.

Carers Oxfordshire provides a comprehensive toolkit, including a document that you can personalise to meet your own needs. You can find it at this link (opens in new window).

AgeUK Oxfordshire’s Physical Activity Team

Age UK Oxfordshire’s Physical Activity service wants to support you in maintaining health, mobility, and independence, and to keep doing what you love for longer.

Many members of our Branch regularly enjoy their Big Bold and Balance classes.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire/our-services/physical-activity-strength-and-balance-388e80e5-7d0b-ee11-a81c-6045bd94e88e/

Move Together

This initiative, funded by Oxfordshire County Council and coordinated by Active Oxfordshire, is a new programme to get everyone active. It is based on the idea that activity is always a good thing, provided it is tailored to your health and physical condition.

To learn more about Move Together, use the form on their website https://movetogether.org.uk/.

Occupational Therapy services

Oxfordshire Social Services’ occupational therapy service can help you with:

  • Providing equipment in your home
  • Advising where to buy equipment
  • Advice on alterations to your home
  • Finding alternative ways to carry out day to day tasks
  • Information and how to apply

You can find more details online at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/social-and-health-care/living-home/equipment-aids-and-adaptations/home-assessment or you can telephone 0345 050 7666 and choose the Adult Services and then Occupational Therapy options.

You can refer yourself. Alternatively, family and friends, your social worker or carer, and your nurse or GP can refer you.

RADAR key for disabled toilets

It’s always worth taking a look at the Parkinson’s UK shop, as it has lots of useful information and products.

This may be particularly useful, allowing you to use a nationwide network of accessible toilets: https://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/products/brass-radar-key