Many Sandwell residents ask for help before they need formal care. Falls, wobbliness, difficulty with stairs, lower confidence outdoors and fear of being alone after a fall can all be early warning signs. Sandwell’s local offer includes practical home adaptations, community alarms, exercise-based falls prevention and wider wellbeing support.
Who this page is for
This guide is for older residents, disabled adults, carers and families who want to reduce risk, stay active and keep somebody independent at home for as long as possible.
The falls prevention route in Sandwell
Sandwell’s current Falls Prevention Service is described as a free 12-week exercise programme aimed at people aged 50+ or those with mobility or balance issues.
- Telephone: 0121 437 0033
- Email: sandwellfallsprevention@afallsfreelife.org.uk
- Held in community venues across Sandwell
- A home workbook option is available if you cannot attend a community session
The published eligibility criteria mention fear of falling, feeling unstable, previous falls and low bone density among the reasons for referral or self-referral.
Other local ways to stay independent
- Community Alarms for a 24-hour response route if you fall or need urgent help at home
- Equipment and adaptations if rails, bathing aids, walking support or other changes at home may reduce risk
- Healthy Sandwell for wider support around activity, weight, smoking, alcohol and ageing well
- Wellbeing for community links, volunteering and routes out of isolation
For some residents the biggest difference comes from combining more than one thing: exercise plus telecare, or equipment plus community activity, rather than waiting for a crisis.
When to ask Adult Social Care instead of — or as well as — falls prevention
Use the falls service if the main issue is confidence, strength or balance. Contact adult social care as well if the person is also struggling with washing, dressing, transfers, medication, meals, safety, or daily living more generally.
Useful Sandwell links
- Sandwell Falls Prevention Service
- Community Alarms
- Help from our Equipment and Adaptations Service
- Healthy Sandwell
- Contact Adult Social Care
