Can we prevent older people falling? 1

Specialist services Title goes here Aims  Share experiences of what has gone well and not so well  Learn from each other  Go back with a new idea to try

Specialist services Title goes here Straw pole Can we stop older people falling?  yes  no  Sometimes

Specialist services Title goes here In 2s  Talk about:- - What you have found that works re preventing falls? - What you find difficult?  Choose some to write on post-its  Place on flip charts (5 minutes each)

5 Think of 1 new idea you can take back and try……….

Specialist services Title goes here Why do older people fall?  History of falling  Underlying health problems  Multiple medications  Normal ageing process  Poor footwear/footcare  Environmental hazards  Poor diet/fluid intake  Fear of falling

Specialist services Title goes here Why do people in residential care fall?  History of falls  Underlying health problems  Multiple medications  Wandering behaviour  Unsteady on feet  Transfer independently  Not needing wheelchair

Specialist services Title goes here Most effective interventions Multi factorial assessment to identify risk factors If risks are modifiable:-  strength and balance training  reduce number of medications  reduce psychotropics

Specialist services Title goes here If risk factors not modifiable  Check no acute illness eg UTI, chest infection  Check on bone protection  Check re community lifeline to reduce risk of a long lie  Consider ATT for chair/bed leaving alarm

Specialist services Title goes here Straw pole Can we stop older people falling? yes no sometimes

Specialist services Title goes here Jackie Riglin Falls Prevention Co-ordinator Clinical Specialist physiotherapist