Hambleton and Richmondshire

Falling can be a common problem but it can often be avoided if some simple advice is followed.

There are many reasons why the risk of falling increases with age but falling does not have to be an inevitable result of ageing.

A fall can have a huge impact on a person’s life including loss of confidence.

However, the good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of falling again.

If you have had a fall and wish for further advice and support please contact your GP.

The falls service provides specialist assessment and interventions to people aged 65 years and over who attend the emergency department, acute assessment unit or urgent treatment centres due to a fall or call an ambulance due to a fall and who are deemed at risk of further fall or fracture.

Falls and balance exercise and education class specialist multidisciplinary assessments include:

Home-based individualised exercise programmes
Home hazard assessments and intervention including provision of equipment
Medication assessment and recommendations

If you are over 65 years of age and you come into contact with a healthcare professional you should be asked if you have had a fall in the 12 months.

If you have fallen the member of staff will complete a further assessment and provide you with advice and agree actions to help you reduce your risk of falls.

If you call an ambulance or attend accident and emergency or an urgent treatment centre due to fall ensure you tell the member staff that your injury was due to a fall.

The staff will support you in completing a screening tool which will be sent to the falls team. They will review your form and agree the most appropriate action for you.

If you have called an ambulance or attended an emergency department or an urgent treatment centre due to fall and you do not complete a form at the time please contact the falls team for further advice on 01642 368030.

Following a referral to the falls team

The falls team will review the referral and recommend the most appropriate action for you and contact you either via telephone call or letter.

If you are offered a further assessment this may be at a clinic venue suitable for you or in your own home. The appointment will:

Help you to identify what may be causing you to fall
Agree a treatment plan with you and work with you to reduce your risk of falling
Help you to be as independent as possible
Work with other staff members who may already be working with you

Advice and information will be provided on areas which may be affecting your risk of falls such as: