Live Steady Occupational Therapy

Live Steady Occupational Therapy Older Adults Occupational Therapist. Falls Prevention Specialist
Qualified Postural Stability Instructor My name is Catherine Gough. I am based in Sheffield.

I am a qualified Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals to maintain a happy, healthy and independent life for as long as possible. I have one simple mission and this is to enrich people's quality of life by helping people to keep doing activities that matter to them. I have been a qualified Occupational Therapist for over 8 years now and have completely fallen in love with the profession over the years.

03/08/2026

Cone Taps
A great way to challenge your balance.

Cones are also cheap, versatile, and you can do loads of exercises with just a few of them.

This is Part 1 of the Cone Tap series — starting with beginner options and building up to more challenging variations through out the parts so make sure to follow this page to see the progressions.

Exercise 1:
Stand on one foot and tap the top of the cone with the other. Switch legs and repeat.

Exercise 2:
Tap the top of the cone with one foot, then the other, alternating feet. Speed it up if you want more challenge.

Safety - stand beside a wall or sturdy surface so you can steady yourself if you wobble.

Always speak to a qualified health professional before starting new exercises. This advice is general and may not be suitable for everyone.

31/07/2026

Watch out for these 5 signs that yours or a older loved ones balance is changing!

29/07/2026

One of the best exercises that older adults can do to reduce their chances of falling over.

Start with mini lunges and progress to full lunges as able.

(Always speak to a qualified health professional before starting new exercises. This advice is general and may not be suitable for everyone.)

27/07/2026

Most people I work with as an Older Adults Occupational Therapist are shocked when balance and walking start to feel harder. They’ve had no problems their whole life — so why does it feel like it’s suddenly snuck up on them?

Balance is a skill. If you don’t use it, you lose it.

Also as we age, natural changes in strength, reaction speed, power, vision, proprioception and even how the brain plans movement can all affect balance.

The good news? Because balance is a skill, you can maintain it — and often improve it — by practising it and challenging it regularly.

23/07/2026

A One Daily Habit That Quietly Increases an Older Adults Chance of Falling

Sitting for long periods might seem harmless, but over time it can contribute to reduced strength, balance and mobility — all of which can impact falls risk.

But small changes can help.

Breaking up long periods of sitting with regular movement can help older adults stay stronger, steadier and more independent.

Aim to move every 30 mins. Head upstairs, go and make a drink, marching on the spot or sit to stands (as I am in the video) are a great way to add in regular movement to break up prolonged periods of sitting.

Advice from an Older Adults Occupational Therapist

I have recently had some new followers so let me introduce myself!Hi everyone 👋My name is Catherine and I am an Older Ad...
20/07/2026

I have recently had some new followers so let me introduce myself!

Hi everyone 👋

My name is Catherine and I am an Older Adults Occupational Therapist.

On my page I share tips and tricks on how older adults can live steady including advice on preventing falls, maintaining independence in later life and healthy ageing.

I am based in Sheffield, England. Here I work 1-1 with older adults and their family focusing on rehabilitation, balance improvement and falls prevention input.

Outside of my OT role you can usually find me trying to keep fit and strong(ish), walking my lovely dog and spending time in the countryside.

If there are any specific questions or topics you would like me to cover then let me know 😊

16/07/2026

Hearing loss is directly linked to a higher chance of falls in older adults.

Many people don't realise that hearing and balance are closely connected.

Research has shown that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to experience falls. This may be because:

• Your brain is working harder to process sounds, taking attention away from your walking and balance.
• You may be less aware of hazards around you.
• The inner ear plays an important role in both hearing and balance.
• Hearing loss can sometimes lead to reduced social activity and less physical activity, which can contribute to weaker muscles and poorer balance.

The good news is that there are steps you can take.

✅ Have your hearing checked regularly.
✅ Wear hearing aids if they've been recommended.
✅ Stay physically active and include balance and strength exercises in your routine.
✅ If you're worried about your balance or have had a fall, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Have you ever considered that your hearing could affect your balance?

Let me know in the comments.

Follow for more evidence-based falls prevention advice to help older adults stay steady, safe, and independent.

14/07/2026

Discussing my simple tip AND my number 1 recommendation for preventing falls in later life on the podcast.

10/07/2026

You probably know that steps up are great exercise for older adults for helping build leg strength but there are other benefits you may have not considered such as...

- Improving your balance
- Allowing you to go upstairs in your home for as long as possible - I work with people who are unable to access there upstairs meaning they now can't sleep in their own bed, can't access the bathroom. Step ups mimic the movement of going upstairs!
- Allowing you to go upstairs everywhere you want - I work with people who are unable visit family because the bathroom is upstairs or have had to stop going places because there are stairs to get in. Steps up can help keep you confident doing stairs.
- Potentially saving money by delaying or avoiding the need for a stairlift 🤑

Step ups can just be done on your bottom step at home!

(Always speak to a qualified health professional before starting new exercises. This advice is general and may not be suitable for everyone.)

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