Falls Prevention

What is Falls Prevention?
How do I get it?

What is Falls Prevention?

Falls and the harm caused by falls are a problem for many people as they get older. It is often accepted that falls are an inevitable part of ageing, however this is not the case- many falls are preventable. Falls are nearly always due to the presence of 'risk factors'. Risk factors range from home hazards, such as poorly lit stairs, to risk relating to the individual, such as muscle weakness, visual problems and side effects of some medications. Recognising and modifying risk is crucial to preventing falls, and the injuries caused by falls. 

A 'home and person' risk assessment to identify why a person is falling, followed by advice, treatment and other interventions can be very effective in preventing further falls and/or injuries from falls (including broken bones). Some Community Health Partnerships and local authorities operate a specialist falls prevention service, however in most areas, services to prevent and manage falls are provided by day hospitals, falls clinics, community rehabilitation teams, community physiotherapists and occupational therapists, amongst others. Following assessment a range of interventions may be offered, depending on what was found on assessment. Possible actions include:

• medication review;
• home hazard assessment and/or occupational therapy;
• a home exercise programme or exercise classes and/or physiotherapy;
• medical assessment by your GP or a specialist;
• vision check;
• assessment of any foot problems;
• assessment for Adaptations and Equipment, community alarm and other telecare services
• assessment for care at home;
• a scan to check for osteoporosis, and treatment if required;
• provision of information on how to prevent future falls.

 

These  are generally available to anyone living at home, who is 65 years or over and has had a fall in the last six months to a year. Some areas do not have age limits.

Their aim is to reduce the risk of further falls and injuries and help the older person to restore their independence by providing: 

• advice, assessment, care and rehabilitation,
• treatment for osteoporosis, if present
• self management support, and
• longer term support.

 

Some Local Authorities and Health Boards operate a Falls Prevention Service which offers a 'Home and Person' risk screening process and onward referral to a wide range of specialist services including:

• Review at a Falls Clinic
• Pharmacy Review
• Podiatry
• Physiotherapy
• Falls Prevention Classes  
• Adaptations and Equipment
• Occupational Therapy
• Telecare services (including community alarm)

 

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How do I get it?

Your GP, District Nurse or other health or social care professional may refer you for a falls assessment, perhaps following discharge from hospital, or if you have fallen in the recent past.

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last updated 14/03/2012