Falls prevention service
The Falls Prevention Service
The falls prevention team consists of Allied Health Care Professionals e.g., Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists, they are supported by a team of Falls Prevention Workers who are speciality trained health care workers.
The Therapist or Falls Prevention Worker will complete a falls assessment at your home. The aim of the assessment is to identify the risk factors associated with falls and to work together to reduce the risk of you having a fall.
The assessment may include:
- Environmental assessment.
- Assessment of mobility and balance.
- Blood pressure check.
- Discussion around your history of falls and/or your concerns.
- Discussion around other health factors e.g., eyesight, nutrition, continence.
Following the assessment, your Health Care Worker will work with you to discuss the risk factors that have been identified and to develop a plan with you to reduce the risk of you having a fall.
The strategies to reduce the risk may include:
- Provision of equipment or handrails.
- Provision of walking aids.
- Advice on strategies to reduce falls risk.
- Exercise intervention.
- Referrals to telecare.
- Signposting to other NHS services e.g., pharmacist, podiatrist, nursing teams.
- Signposting to external services e.g., fire service.
Finding your feet
The Falls Prevention Service can also provide support to you to complete an exercise program to improve your strength and balance. The support can include a home exercise program that you can complete independently at home, or you may be referred to one of our ‘Finding Your Feet’ exercise programs if this is appropriate for you.
Your Falls Prevention Worker or Health Care Professional will be able to prescribe you your own exercise program and to advise you if you would be suitable for the class. They will be able to provide you with additional details about the program currently running in your area.
Falls Clinic
If you are continuing to fall and you are unsure why, the Falls Prevention Service can refer you to the Falls Clinic. The Falls Clinic is led by a Geriatric Consultant and is supported by a Specialist Physiotherapist and Community Matron.
Following a referral to Falls Clinic, your case will be reviewed by the multidisciplinary team, and if required, the consultant will be able to assess you in clinic.
Who can refer to the service?
We receive referrals from:
- GPs & Practice Nurses
- Service Users, Carers or Relatives
- Urgent Care Response Team
- Reablement
- Consultants
- Accident & Emergency and the Hospital
- Specialist Nursing Teams
- Community Nursing Teams
- Community Matron
- Social Services
If you are a regular user of these services, you may wish to talk to them about a referral or you can refer yourself directly.
Referrals made via contact Gateway to Care:
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Telephone: 01422 393000
Email: gatewaytocare@calderdale.gov.uk
If you have suffered a fall or you are concerned that you may be at risk of a fall in the future, please request a referral to our service via gateway to care for further advice and support.
