Every year, hundreds of elderly people fall in Ida-Viru County. After falling, they require assistance from rescue services. The Narva Social Work Center is opening a new center to prevent falls and hiring a welfare master.
Jaak Kirsipuu, head of the Ida Rescue Center, says that the number of falls is increasing. In 2024, 223 elderly people fell in Ida-Viru County. The average person who falls is 77 years old. Elderly people often live alone, have mobility difficulties, and problems with balance. They cannot open doors by themselves and require assistance from rescue services.
Elderly people living in apartments may fall in places that are not dangerous for younger people. For example, high thresholds, slippery bathroom floors, and rugs.
Narva, the largest city in Ida-Viru County, is launching a new project. The goal of the project is to reduce falls at home and help those who have fallen. The project components include a response center, a welfare master, and 30 fall detectors equipped with GPS.
The Narva Social Work Center helps nearly 500 elderly people every day. Many of them live alone and require urgent assistance. The work of the welfare master is challenging. They visit people’s homes and check for safety hazards. They help fix dangerous spots.
The project will gain momentum this year. The project costs €150,000. The Ida-Viru Local Government Association is granting €100,000 to the Narva Social Work Center. After the project ends, the city of Narva will fund the welfare master and the response center.