More than 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries such as falls, cuts and burns during the festive period, and with older people more vulnerable to the impact of icy falls, flu and plummeting temperatures, the Life Direct team has organised a prevention event this Friday (19 December). There will also be tips on making your home safe, by avoiding such things as overloading electric sockets for Christmas lights and ensuring Christmas presents aren't on show.
On hand at 68 Victoria Street, Wolverhampton will be Life Direct Advisors providing free information and advice, representatives from the NHS, the fire service and police. There's no need to book so local people aged over 55 years and carers can simply drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm.
As well as the free health check and advice there will be mulled wine, mince pies and carols from local band the Howling Wolves. Those attending will also get the chance to road test Life Direct's new website which has a wealth of information on local events and services, including a rating and recommendations function to help those looking for support.
Debra Berry, head of housing services at whg, said: "We know that Christmas is of course a happy time for the majority, but we wanted to ensure people had an informal way of finding out how to stay safe and enjoy the festive season.
"We are delighted at the success of Life Direct since our launch in April and look forward to welcoming new visitors at this event and throughout 2015.
"The team is also delighted that our new website is up and running and we'll be showing that at Friday's event."
Life Direct, delivered by whg - the leading housing provider - primarily helps residents in the city aged over 55 years old. The service has been commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council to increase support to the city's growing older population.
Recent research found that around 20% of older people living in Wolverhampton were identified as being at risk of losing their independence, perhaps because they live alone or have a small social network, have dementia, care for a loved one or have suffered a fall, and Life Direct particularly targets these groups.
- released: Thursday 18 December, 2014