Falls Prevention Sheffield - Quality Life Enablement

Falls Prevention Sheffield - Quality Life Enablement Older Adults Occupational Therapist. Sharing FREE information and advice on falls prevention, healthy ageing, and staying independent. I am based in Sheffield.

Helping keep older adults safe, steady and independent in their own homes. My name is Catherine Gough. I am a qualified Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals to maintain a happy, healthy and independent life for as long as possible. I have one simple mission and this is to enrich people's quality of life by helping people to keep doing activities that matter to them

. I have been a qualified Occupational Therapist for over 8 years now and have completely fallen in love with the profession over the years.

08/05/2026

You’ve always been told that strength training keeps you independent in later life… but here’s the truth.

Strength is important — absolutely!

Older adults should be doing it. But strength alone doesn’t keep you independent.

There’s another skill that’s just as essential… balance.

I work with so many older adults who are strong, but because their balance isn’t there, they aren’t independent — and more importantly, they aren’t safe to get around on their own.

Most people want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. If that’s your goal, balance is the thing that truly keeps you there.

So yes, keep strength training… But don’t forget to train your balance too. Strength + balance = independence.

07/05/2026

Wall press‑ups are brilliant for older adults and a must do for many people.

They’re easy to do at home, simple to adapt, and they build the upper‑body and core strength you rely on every day.

They also strengthen the exact movement you need if you ever have to get up off the floor — a vital skill for staying independent.

30/04/2026

Balance training is the key to staying safe and steady in later life.

My job helps other people which is obviously great but that's not the only reason I do it...
26/04/2026

My job helps other people which is obviously great but that's not the only reason I do it...

This morning I had the pleasure of checking out and all of their equipment.So much of this equipment helps to make reha...
24/04/2026

This morning I had the pleasure of checking out and all of their equipment.

So much of this equipment helps to make rehab fun and brings out a self competitive edge that can be hugely motivating.

I also took to opportunity to have my balance assessed - luckily I did ok with that one!

21/04/2026

It sounds like a riddle but it’s true:

You can’t guarantee that someone will never fall again — we humans stumble, trip and fall... it just happens!

And that can sound a little scary for some older people, so that's why you also need to know that...

Most falls are preventable!!

With the right support, the right exercises, and small changes to the environment.

Get Back On Your Feet Quicker!Recently I've had an influx of new clients who have recently been discharged from hospital...
20/04/2026

Get Back On Your Feet Quicker!

Recently I've had an influx of new clients who have recently been discharged from hospital.

They have been told that NHS follow up therapy is a 6 week wait and they are aware of how quickly they can loose strength and confidence in 6 weeks.

So this is where I step in. I help them to get stronger, keep them active and get back on their feet until the therapy can start.

If you know someone who could benefit from then reach out.

07424 555188

16/04/2026

Take it from someone who works with people in their 70s, 80s and 90s- exercise is another part of your personal care and if you don't do it, it will catch up with you eventually.

15/04/2026

These 2 things will support your physical and mental health in later life and both are found to reduce the risk of falls.

13/04/2026

A quick balance test!

The tandem stand checks how well you can stay steady when your base of support gets narrow — a key skill for everyday balance and falls prevention.

How to do it:
1️⃣ Stand tall and place one foot directly in front of the other, heel touching toe (like standing on a tightrope). Hold on when getting in to this position to help with safely getting there.
2️⃣ Choose whichever foot feels natural to go in front.
3️⃣ Aim to hold for at least 10 seconds. If you have to step out or grab support then stop.
4️⃣ Swap feet and repeat on the other side.

Safety first:
✔ This is general guidance only and not appropriate for everyone — check with a health professional if you’re unsure whether this is right for you.
✔ Stand next to a countertop or sturdy chair, or wall
✔ Have one hand hovering (not holding) for confidence and can be good to do when another person is present.
✔ Stop if you feel unsteady, dizzy, or need to grab for support

If you cannot hold this position for more than 10 seconds it indicates that you are at an increased risk of falls and your balance needs a little training.

Last night I had the pleasure of speaking at a local Women’s Institute meeting about all things older adults Occupationa...
10/04/2026

Last night I had the pleasure of speaking at a local Women’s Institute meeting about all things older adults Occupational Therapy and falls prevention.

We chatted about bones, muscle, balance and how looking after them keeps you independent, confident, and doing the things you love for longer.

My main aim - empower people and help them realise that strength and balance aren’t things you have to “lose” with age. With simple exercises, they can be rebuilt, protected, and used to keep you doing the things that matter.

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Sheffield

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

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