What does the Falls Prevention Service do?

We provide a specialist service to people who have fallen or are at risk of falling. If you have frequent falls or a fall that causes injuries you can easily lose your confidence and independence. We can offer a multi-disciplinary falls assessment to check whether you are at risk of falling and if needed we can formulate a care plan to help reduce the risk of further falls.

The following professionals may be involved in your assessment:

  • Physiotherapist
  • Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Assistant

We develop an action plan with you to help you live independently and reduce your risk of falls. We will then take steps to help you, such as showing you exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance or providing equipment for your home.

What happens during the assessment?

The assessment will take place in your own home or in a clinic and could take up to an hour. You will be asked about your balance, any falls you may have had or any near misses. If you have been injured in a fall you will be asked about any treatment you received. We may take your blood pressure, look at your balance and walking, and check your home for any hazards. We also consider your risk of osteoporosis and it may be necessary to see different members of the team for different reasons over more than one visit

Useful Information

Access to the Falls Prevention Service

We operate an open referral system. This means that referrals will be accepted by health and social care professionals in addition to voluntary sector, care home staff, family members and carers.

We will contact you to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment as required

Did you know?

The following are some of the issues that we can support with:

  • One in three women aged 65 or over fall each year
  • One in five men aged 65 or over falls each year
  • One in two men and women over the age of 85 fall each year

Unexplained falls, faints and blackouts?

If there is a medical reason behind your fall, we will discuss this with your GP. On some occasions you may be referred to a hospital consultant for further assessment.

Preventing falls

There are several measures you can take to help prevent a fall. Simple everyday measures around the home include:

- Using non-slip mats in the bathroom

- Mopping up spills to prevent wet, slippery floors getting help lifting or moving items that are heavy or difficult to lift using an appropriate walking aid

- Not rushing and taking time changing positions such as moving from sitting to standing

- Using high-wattage light bulbs in lamps and torches, so you can see clearly  

- Organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are

- Kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things

- Getting help to do things that you’re unable to do safely on your own

- Not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights

- Not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up

- Wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good 

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or contact the PALS Team.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640 Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.