Falls Prevention Service
Falls are a major cause of disability in older people over 75 in the UK. Falls should not be considered an inevitable part of ageing but they do pose a serious concern to many older people.
A fall can lead to admission to long term care, and a fear of falling can provide a significant limitation to being able to carry out every day activities of daily living affecting people’s independence. Falls in later life are also a common symptom of an unidentified health problem which needs to be identified and managed.
The Falls Prevention Service through assessment, treatment and close working with other agencies can help improve independence in activities of daily living and confidence and therefore contribute to improving quality of life.
We also provide specialised assessment and treatment of people who have fallen or are considered to be at high risk of falls. Through this and working closely with our partner health and social care colleagues we aim to achieve:
- A reduction in the likelihood of recurrence of falls by offering a multi-factorial assessment, verbal and written advice on falls prevention to those who have a falls history or are identified as at risk of falls.
- An improvement in assessment, care and treatment of those who have fallen with an emphasis on preventing more serious falls and injuries which can lead to disability.
- Education of the older peoples population in falls prevention strategies and the management of falls.
- Education of health and social care professionals and voluntary workers in falls prevention strategies, treatment and management.
- A reduction in the negative health and social impact from falls.
Through this the Falls Service will contribute to:
- A reduction in unscheduled admissions to nursing and residential care as a result of falls.
- An increase in the proportion of older people being supported in their own homes.
- A reduction in the accident mortality rate from falls.
Who is eligible to access our service?
The Falls Prevention Service provides falls prevention advice and assessment to both the residents of Bury and those registered with a Bury GP. Individuals must be over the age of 65 and living in the community, nursing or residential homes.
All eligible people who are discharged from the Accident and Emergency Department at Fairfield General Hospital following a fall are followed up with a Falls Self Assessment questionnaire and the offer of further intervention if required.
Falls Prevention advice and training is given to health and social care staff and voluntary groups involved in working with the over 65’s.
How to access our service
Referrals are received from GP’s, district nurses, health professionals, Social Services and voluntary organisations.
How to contact us
T: 0161 724 2130
Falls Prevention Service, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe M26 2SP
Opening hours
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 4pm (answerphone available outside these hours)