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There are plenty of ways in which you can get help
and advice to prevent falls:
GP
Your GP can be your first point contact for help and
advice and they will be part of team of healthcare professionals
who can further help and advise you. These include:
District Nurse/Community Nurse
District Nurses/Community Nurses can assess and advise
on the risk of falling and will refer to other professionals
as necessary. District Nurses/Community Nurses can especially
offer advice regarding the use of medicines and tablets.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists work in the community often alongside
District Nurses/Community Nurses. They are especially
skilled in the assessment and management of mobility
problems and can advise on suitable mobility aids. They
are also able to give advice and information on suitable
exercise programmes to improve balance and stability.
Your GP can refer you to a Physiotherapist.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists also work in the community and
are skilled at assessment of problems that affect the
activities of daily living and function. They work for
Social Care and can advise on aids and adaptations in
the homes which will help you undertake the tasks of
everyday life much easier and safer. They can do much
to help reduce the risk of falling with advice and help
about your home environment.
Opticians
There is an increased risk of falling if you have problems
with your vision. Bi-focal/varifocal glasses can cause
particular problems. Have your eyesight checked regularly,
everyone over 60 years of age is entitled to a free
NHS sight test. This is usually every 2 years but can
be annually for those over 70. Having had a fall could
be justification for an early re-test. Your optician
can give advice and help to improve your vision.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists are skilled in dealing with problems affecting
your feet. Poor footwear and problems with your feet
can affect your balance and stability. Podiatrists can
offer help and advice on these issues. They work in
surgeries and health clinics and often visit patients
at home.
Dieticians
Dieticians are skilled in assessment and management
of problems with diet and nutrition. A healthy balanced
diet can do much to prevent falls and especially to
reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Specialist Clinics
It may be necessary for a GP or health care professional
to refer to a specialist clinic for further advice.
This may be a clinic run by an orthopaedic surgeon or
a consultant specialising in care of the elderly. It
could also be a specialist falls clinic. These clinics
are often fully supported by a multi-disciplinary team
of health care staff who will have specialist knowledge
and skills. They will be able to offer help and advice
for the more complex problems and difficulties you may
have.
Local Authority
These organisations provide help and advice through
a number of services.
These include Social Care, who can arrange for an assessment
of your problems and then appropriate support and care
can be provided. They can work closely with Therapists
to ensure an appropriate rehabilitation programme is
put in place.
Housing Departments can offer much help and support
in relation to risk factors that may be affecting your
home.
Local sports and leisure centres can offer help and
advice on activities to help keep you fit and active
and prevent falls. Some offer specific classes for the
over 50’s.
Charities and voluntary organisations
There are a number of charities and voluntary agencies
who can offer help and advice. These include:
The
British Red Cross
Age
Concern
Help
the Aged
The
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Independent living exhibition
Permanent display of equipment and an information resource centre for people with physical disabilites and their carers
The Brookside Centre, Station Way, Aylesbury Buckinghamshire, HP20 2AQ. 01296 398 616
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