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.

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.

Basic, user-friendly osteoporosis risk assessment tool.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Abbreviated version of the NICE guidelines on falls prevention.

The full NICE guideline (August 2005).

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.

Lists the sources of information used to produce this site.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.