A new AI falls prevention programme is being rolled out across Norfolk after a successful pilot identified vulnerable residents and reduced their risk of serious accidents. The initiative, developed with local councils, NHS organisations and voluntary partners, uses Artificial Intelligence to proactively spot people most at risk and step in before a fall occurs.
Falls remain the most common and serious accidents affecting people aged 65 and over, often leading to reduced independence, long-term health problems and social isolation. By harnessing natural language processing to analyse case notes and extract key insights, the AI falls prevention programme enables Norfolk County Council to identify residents in danger of escalating needs. Targeted interventions can then be offered, such as fitting handrails or providing advice to reduce everyday risks.
Councillor Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult Services at Norfolk County Council, said the pilot showed clear benefits: “The pilots of the scheme have proved that by proactively intervening with residents, both those already known to Adult’s Social Services and those not yet in contact with us, helps deliver a reduction in falls. This then reduces associated fractures, improve wellbeing outcomes, and lower social care costs. With our partners at district councils and the Integrated Care System (ICS), we are now mobilising to proactively engage over 12,000 residents at risk.”
The pilot phase supported 1,250 residents, including a husband and wife who explained how small but important changes made their home safer. “The South Norfolk handy person fitted a handle at the door and two handles at the top of our staircase, so I have two things to hold onto for extra precaution. I’m really happy they were fitted and think it will have a big impact on my life, making me more confident going up the stairs,” they said. They added that the information they received through the AI falls prevention programme helped them prepare for older age: “We didn’t realise the help that was there for us.”
The council stresses that AI is being used in a safe, ethical and transparent way, with the goal of enhancing people’s wellbeing. Beyond technological innovation, the initiative is being paired with practical support and local services. Residents who have experienced falls can call Norfolk Swift Response, a 24-hour helpline providing reassurance and specialist lifting equipment if needed. Those with repeated falls are encouraged to contact their local hub for a formal falls assessment, which can provide further tailored advice and support.
Guidance for people who have already experienced a fall includes staying calm, assessing whether medical help is required, and using safe methods to get up slowly if unhurt. For more serious situations, residents are advised to dial 999 or NHS 111 depending on their condition. Preventive measures also remain central, with Norfolk’s Living Well programme offering advice on exercise, home safety, and managing risks for older people and those living with dementia.
The AI falls prevention programme has been recognised nationally as a forward-thinking approach to adult care, particularly as falls are not only a health issue but also a driver of wider social care costs. By stepping in early, the council hopes to reduce hospital admissions and give residents the confidence to continue living independently in their own homes.
While falls are often seen as an inevitable part of ageing, Norfolk’s proactive approach is reframing the challenge. Combining modern technology with community-level support is designed to ensure that older people are not only protected but also empowered. With the full rollout now under way, thousands more residents across Norfolk are expected to benefit from interventions that could significantly reduce the risks of one of the most common causes of injury among older adults.
