Slippers which do not fit properly can cause a fall

For six months, residents at nursing and residential homes in North Tyneside will be able to swap the footwear.

Research has shown that ill-fitting slippers can be a major hazard for older people.

The scheme is part of a wider project to prevent falls and help elderly people to carry on living at home.

Figures from the ambulance service show that in a three-month period, more than 700 people suffered falls in North Tyneside, with 158 needing hospital treatment.

'Psychological effects'

North Tyneside council director of social services, John Phillipson, said: "Older people often wear slippers that are a couple of sizes too big or do not fit properly and these can cause a trip or a fall.

"Although many falls do not cause serious injury, the psychological effects can result in the need for long-term care."

The campaign involves social services staff, Age Concern and health trust officials. Local company Fairbairns Shoes of North Shields, will measure people for their new slippers.

Nurses and other staff will talk to people about the best ways of preventing a fall.

Other strands to the campaign include the "message in a bottle" scheme, when people over 75 will be given a plastic bottle marked with a green cross which they can keep important medical information in.

In October, the "night lights" scheme aims to reduce the risk of older people falling during the night by placing lights in hallways and bathrooms.