Falls Prevention Service

What does the Falls Prevention Service do?

We provide a specialist service to people who have fallen or are at risk of falling.

We can offer a multifactorial falls assessment, which is holistic assessment that helps us to identify potential causes of falls.

The following professionals may be involved in your assessment:

• Physiotherapist
• Nurse
• Occupational therapist
• Rehabilitation assistant

Together we can create a care plan to help you live independently and reduce your risk of falls. Although not all falls can be prevented, advice and information can be provided to reduce the risk

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. This may include

• Occupational therapy assessment
• Nursing assessment
• Physiotherapy assessment

 The aim of the assessment is to identify the risk factors associated with falls and to work together to reduce the risk. Together we develop an individualised plan to help support you.

This could include:

• Strength and balance training
• Assessment of the home environment
• Analysis of your falls and consideration of risks
• Support with confidence building
• Practicing new routines when completing activities of daily living
• Identifying polypharmacy and blood pressure check
• Screening for osteoporosis
• Referrals and signposting to other services

If there could be a medical reason for your fall, we will discuss this with your GP.

Useful Information

Access to the Falls Prevention Service

We operate an open referral system. This means that referrals will be accepted from 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.

Telephone: 01772 643 106

All referrals via MAP on 01772 777 999 or Refernet. 

Tips for preventing falls in the home

Make sure your home is safe:

• Immediately mop up spillages
• Remove clutter, trailing wires and tape down frayed carpet
• Use non-slip mats and rugs
• Make sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well-lit
• Organise your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things
• Get help to do things you’re unable to do safely on your own

Be safe and take care of yourself:

• Don’t walk on slippery floors in socks or tights
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up
• Wear well-fitting shoes in good condition that support your ankles
• Take care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly
• See a GP or podiatrist (foot health professional) about any foot problems
• Recognise when you are not well and take things easier/ask for help