Two district councils have recently been in the news for paying what some people see as inordinate attentions of the footware of people over 50.
The Daily Telegraph highlighted Warwickshire County Council’s offer of a service allowing “older people” to bring in their old slippers and replace them with a new pair, which it claims can cut the risk of falling over. For a fee of £5, participants fitted with a new pair of the Velcro fastening slippers, and advice on how to puy them on and avoid accidents around the home.
The council claims that the initiative, which has been adopted by other local authorites, will save money in the long run because it prevents costly injuries to elderly people. The firm which makes the special slippers charges local authorities £3 a pair – £2 less than the council charges people taking up its scheme.
Neil Duncan Jordan, of the National Pensioners’ Convention said: “Falls among the elderly are very serious, but for the vast majority of people in their 50s and 60s, this is patronising and a waste of money. It is astonishing that while the council claim they have your best interests at heart by providing these slippers, they then fleece you for more than the manufacturer is charging.”
Meanwhile , Flntshire care home staff are to be trained to understand the importance of properly fitting footwear in preventing falls by residents. Flintshire Local Health Board (LHB) is providing the training to its staff, saying that it wants families to consult experts like podiatrists before buying elderly relatives slippers for Christmas.
Good fitting slippers fit the shape of the wearer’s feet, have a non-slip sole and should support the foot, reducing the chances of a fall. Chiropodists and good shoe retailers should also be able to provide more information on properly fitting footwear, said Flintshire LHB.
The BBC report on this story said that Celia Drew, a chronic disease management nurse with Flintshire LHB who is organising the training, said: “We know from research that there is a clear link between foot pain and falls. When people have poorly fitting footwear, they are much more likely to sustain a fall, which can lead to bruising, sprains or a broken hip.
She also said, “An indoor shoe would be much more appropriate than a slipper and they aren’t terribly expensive, retailing at around £20,” she said.
It is estimated that around 20 to 30 per cent of falls among the elderly can be prevented. Badly fitting slippers are said to significantly increase the risk of suffering a fall which can lead to disability or death. The new slippers being supplied by Warwickshire CC are safer because they have non-slip soles, better support and a Velcro fastening to ensure a snug and tailored fit, makers Natureform claim.