Falls Prevention East Berkshire
 

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  Information for Health Professionals  
 


This page has information that will be of use to health professionals who work with older people

Introduction

Accidents, and in particular falls are a major cause of death and disability in older people.  Did you know that in the UK there are over a million falls each year and that around 5% of falls result in a fracture?  Many falls result in a wrist or hip fracture, caused by osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and architectural deterioration of bone tissue resulting in increased bone fragility and risk of fracture.  It affects one in three women over the age of 50 and one in ten men.  ...more We hope that the following information sheets, booklets and links to other websites will be useful in our efforts to raise awareness of this problem and reduce the numbers of falls and fractures.  We welcome your help in improving this website. Feel free to make suggestions in the comment box on the About page.   If you would like a reply then please include your e-mail address.

Contact

For further information on falls prevention services please call:  or Anya Ryan, Tel: 01753 63 6500

Documents

The table below lists each document, gives a brief description and has a link to download it or go to the page.

There are three types of document:

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AgILE Pack

There is a free "AgILE Falls Service Information Pack" available that explains the services available and includes useful guides and worksheets.

If you would like a free pack, please contact Anya Ryan on 01753 63 6500 or email on anya.ryan@berkshire.nhs.uk

Please note that a lot of the pack is specific to Berkshire, however we are happy for other areas to use it for reference or adapt parts of it, as long as reference is always given to the East Berkshire Falls Prevention Team.  Also it would be preferred if those outside Berkshire would download the pack here (link below) rather that ask for a printed pack as there are limited supplies.

Download the PDF file icon AgILE Pack 416KB PDF file


Title Download
 
Falls Clinic Referrals  
Falls Clinic Referral Forms

These are the forms to use if you wish to refer someone to one of the falls clinics or Intermediate Care Teams.  The questions will help you decide what would be the most appropriate service to assess and treat your patient/ service user.

It is advisable to discuss the referral with other key professionals but therapists, registered nurses in whatever setting, medical staff in primary or secondary care and social workers can all refer.

Bracknell PDF file icon 28KB
SloughPDF file icon 62KB
WAMPDF file icon 16KB
 
Assessment  

Assessment of Falls Risk in Older People (the FRAT tool)

A basic, user-friendly assessment tool with useful options for intervention and referral.  Designed by Queen Mary College, University of London, but adapted for local use.

137KB

Black Tool

Basic, user-friendly osteoporosis risk assessment tool.

PDF file icon 12KB

Falls Checklist

A list of things to check with an older person to help gauge how at risk they are to having a fall.  Also acts as a record of the checks being done and any intervention taken.  Primarily intended for use by physiotherapists.

20KB

Screening Assessment for Prevention

A more detailed assessment tool also including osteoporosis risk factors.  Gives suggestions for intervention and referrals.

80KB

Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool

This assessment tool was developed by Mary Tinetti, a physician and researcher at Yale University.  It is divided into two parts; Balance tests and Gait tests.  It is one of the most widely used mobility and gait assessment tests used in medical settings.   Developed and validated by Mary Tinetti, et al.

PDF file icon 84KB

TUG - Timed Up and Go Test

Basic, user-friendly mobility assessment tool measuring the probability for falls.

44KB

Home Hazard Check-list

A check-list for assessing a home environment for potential hazards.

PDF file icon 88KB
Care Home 'Falls Care Pathway'

Recommended care pathway for older people who  fall within the care home setting. Developed in collaboration with the local  Ambulance Service and the Berkshire Care Association

PDF file icon 192KB
Care Home 'Falls and Fracture Risk' Assessment

Comprehensive yet user-friendly documentation to assist care home staff in  assessing their residents for fall and fracture risk

PDF file icon 88KB
Care Home Guide to Assessment and Intervention

Developed to assist fall and fracture risk assessment with suggestions for intervention and referral.

PDF file icon 112KB
Care Home Falls Register

A register to monitor the incidence of falls for care home residents.  It aims to encourage the identification of causes for falls and the need for risk assessment and intervention by practitioners.

PDF file icon 13KB
 
Medication  
Medication and the Risk of Falls in the Older person - The Facts

Lists some important facts on the connection between medication and the risk of falls and fractures. Also provides information on the degree of risk associated with specific drugs.

PDF file icon 24KB
 
Reference  
East Berkshire Primary Care Falls Pathway

This pathway flow-chart maps out the route that should be taken when someone is identified as being at risk of having a fall.

web page
Useful Falls and Fracture Prevention Web Sites

Provides you with direct links to some very informative sources on falls and fracture prevention.

web page

Development of Falls Prevention Services in East Berkshire

Explains what services are being developed in the East Berkshire area.

web page

East Berkshire Falls Prevention Strategy

The Strategy details what programmes and services are available, and how they work together, to reduce falls and fractures in East Berkshire.

224KB

Assistance Available if You Have had a Fall

Explains what help you can get from Social Services and other departments locally.

web page

Physiotherapists

Explains the role of Physiotherapists, what they can provide and how exercise can help you to avoid having falls.

web page

Occupational Therapists

Explains the role of Occupational Therapists and what they can provide to help those at risk from falls.

web page

Guidelines for Osteoporosis Management

A user-friendly guideline on the management of osteoporosis, written by Berkshire East PCT, in partnership with Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.  The guideline, which includes links to falls prevention, is aimed primarily at professionals who are in a position to prescribe medication.

PDF file icon 192KB

Brief NICE Guidelines

Abbreviated version of the NICE guidelines on falls prevention.

PDF file icon 236KB

Full NICE Guidelines 2005

The full NICE guideline (August 2005).

PDF file icon 3.1MB (3,100KB)

Hip Protectors - Health Professionals' View

Looks at hip protectors and how they work.  Looks at the two main types of protectors and the research into their effectiveness.  Has links to other sites with further information.

web page

Bibliography

Lists the sources of information used to produce this site.

web page

 

Self-Help Guides  

I've Had a Fall - Chart

A chart, for older people, showing what you should do if you have a fall.
Also on this site as a web page.

196KB
web page

12 Ways to Help Prevent Falls

Advice leaflet for older people listing ways they can help avoid having a fall. Overleaf there is advice on what to do if they have a fall.

43KB

Staying Steady

A leaflet from Help the Aged giving lots of practical advice on things to do to reduce your risk of having a fall.

PDF file icon 132KB

Healthy Bones

A leaflet from Help the Aged that explains about bone health and why it is important.  Also gives advice on how to look after your bones, e.g. by eating a healthy diet and having a healthy lifestyle

140KB

Hip Protectors

Explains what hip protectors are and how they work and looks at the two main types of protectors.

web page

Repair With Care Service

This service, by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, provides help with home repairs for older people.

web site
Falls Prevention Leaflets from Occupational Therapy  

Reduce the Risk of Falls

A four page leaflet that looks at all aspects of falls, what causes them and how best to avoid them.  Includes practical tips on reducing your risk of having a fall.

PDF file icon 104KB

Home Lifestyle

Looks at the whole home environment, highlighting common causes of risk and giving practical advice on how to minimise the risks.

PDF file icon 128KB

Travelling

Advice for reducing the risk of falling while travelling, including travelling by bus, things to look out for in accommodation and generally planning ahead.

PDF file icon 132KB

Non-Slip Mats

Explains the importance of non-slip mats in baths and showers - for everyone!  Gives advice on choosing the correct type for your bath/shower, how to use them correctly and care advice.

PDF file icon 88KB

Grab Rails

Advice on fitting and using grab-rails on a bath or shower including the different types, where best to place them and how to use them for best effect.

PDF file icon 380KB

 

Exercises  
Please Note: As with any exercise it is advisable to take it take it gently initially and build up gradually. Please speak to your doctor first if you are not used to taking physical exercise or have any queries. If you feel faint, experience chest pain or feel unwell in any way you should stop exercising and contact your doctor.  

s.m.i.l.e. Exercise Programme

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's SMILE programme is an exercise and activity club for you if you're over 50, 60, 70 or 80.

web site
Tai-Chi / Taiji Qigong For Falls Prevention

A list of local Tai-Chi / Taiji Qigong trainers, trained by the UK Taiji Qigong Foundation.  Also links to further information on how these exercise can help to prevent falls.

web page
Dance Class - Bracknell

Dancing can be very effective in the prevention of falls and fractures.  This new dance and movement class has recently started in Bracknell.

PDF file icon 420KB
 
Diet  
Calcium Rich Foods and Bone Health

Supplied by the National Osteoporosis Society providing authoritative information regarding daily calcium requirements. Includes calcium-rich food list.

PDF file icon 92KB

Vitamin D

Supplied by the National Osteoporosis Society proving authoritative information on Vitamin D requirements.

Please note: refer to doctor or pharmacist if patient takes cod liver Oil before considering for Vitamin D supplementation.

PDF file icon 68KB