Elderly Ongar and North Weald residents are being encouraged to take advantage of a free service to make their homes safer.

The Freefall service run by Voluntary Action Epping Forest aims to reduce the number of elderly people who are seriously injured or debilitated by trips and falls in their own homes.

The team can fit grab-rails on staircases and in doorways, fix defective carpets or floor coverings, remove trailing wires and generally reduce trip hazards.

Volunteers will come to the home of anyone over 60 and carry out a comprehensive risk assessment before suggesting proposals for reducing the danger of a fall.

If you agree the proposals the staff from Freefall will carry out the work for free regardless of your financial situation or whether you are a home-owner, council or private tenant.

The scheme's co-ordinator, Geoff Brown, is encouraging everyone to take advantage even if they fit and nimble enough to get around.

"The whole idea is falls prevention," he said. "Prevention is better than cure and we are trying to get to people before they've had a fall while they are fit and active in their own homes. As people get older they do lose mobility and what wasn't a hazard before becomes one."

For more information or to arrange an appointment for a survey in your home call Geoff Brown on 01992 564515.

Published Friday September 24, 2004

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