Falls Prevention Service
The Falls Prevention Service provides assessment, advice and exercise modalities for people aged 65 and over who are at risk of falling.
Overview of the service
The Falls Prevention Service aims to prevent falls and unnecessary admission to hospital by seeing a patient before an injurious fall occurs or by supporting patients with a maintenance programme after rehabilitation. We do this by providing assessment, advice and exercise modalities to increase a person's ability to move safely, increasing confidence and promoting active ageing.
The services we provide include:
- Home response by a physiotherapist with a comprehensive assessment to give personalised falls prevention advice. This will include a home exercise plan. They can make onward referrals for further interventions/advice
- “Staying Steady” exercise and advice classes in community settings (eight weeks)
- Otego-type home exercise programme (eight weeks) for the less mobile (Zimmer frame users).
Who can access this service?
To access this service patients must:
- Be 65 years and over
- Be registered with a Sutton GP
- Have had a fall, have a fear of falling or be at risk of falling.
This service is not suitable for patients who are:
- Medically unstable
- Needing rehabilitation (please see OPARS section).
Team members who could be involved in care are:
- Physiotherapist
- Assistant Practitioner
- Exercise Instructor.
Is patient self-referral available?
No, patients will need a referral from their GP to access this service.
Is transport provided?
Transport is only provided for the intermediate ability ‘Staying Steady’ class. For other classes or services, patients will need to provide their own transport.
Are home visits available?
Yes, please talk to the Falls Prevention Service team for more information on home visits.