New Falls Prevention Resource Launched For Practitioners In Run Up To National Falls Awareness Day, UK

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Also Included In: Caregivers / Homecare;  Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 10 Apr 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Help the Aged is launching a new resource for practitioners to support them in the run up to National Falls Awareness Day on 24th June 2008. 'Fall Stop' summarises the findings of 'Falls Prevention in Practice' a pan-European literature review commissioned by Help the Aged, which aims to improve practitioner skills in the communication of falls risk and prevention with older people.

The full review, carried out by researchers from the Universities of Southampton and London South Bank, was based on recommendations made by the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE). 'Fall Stop' provides practical guidance for practitioners who work with older people to prevent falls, including falls coordinators, occupational therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, GPs, opticians, care home and day centre managers and pharmacists.

Pamela Holmes, Head of Healthy Ageing at Help the Aged said: 'We are launching this review in the lead up to activities for National Falls Awareness Day so that practitioners can have cutting-edge and widely sourced information at their fingertips to support their ongoing falls prevention work.

'With six key recommendations, 'Fall Stop' provides ideas for improving communication, including providing information in a range of formats, being culturally sensitive and including individual and group activities. All of this would be useful to practitioners looking to use the opportunity of National Falls Awareness Day to focus their falls prevention activities.'

The fourth Help the Aged National Falls Awareness Day, supported by Stannah Stairlifts, is on 24th June 2008, with hundreds of falls awareness events expected to take place across the UK, ranging from activities such as sloppy slipper swaps and dance classes to blood-pressure checks.

The overall aim for the day is to raise awareness amongst older people, their friends and families, health professionals and policy makers, of the risk of falling as we age, the conditions that increase the chance of a fall and the practical changes that can reduce the risk. A free action pack is available to any group or individual looking to hold an event; visit http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/fallsday

The Charity is also continuing its campaign to improve the nation's paving to help older people to live as actively as possible. Help the Aged is encouraging the general public to highlight trouble spots of dangerous paving to their local street maintenance service and to the Charity using Pavement Postcards. The Charity is using this material to encourage councils to make improvements to paving in their areas. They can be ordered by calling 020 7239 1982 or via the web site.

Notes

1. The full review was carried out by Samuel R Nyman of the School of Psychology at the University of Southampton and Claire Ballinger of the Department of Allied Health Professions at London South Bank University. For copies of the full report, 'Falls Prevention in Practice; A literature review,' and 'Fall Stop' is available for free at http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/slipstrips

2. Help the Aged funds the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE), http://www.profane.eu.org Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation and neglect. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The charity delivers a range of services including information and advice, home support and help in difficult times that are supported by its fundraising activities and paid for services. Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life.

3. Stannah Stairlifts is a British, family run business that has been making stairlifts since 1975. Today it is the world's leading stairlift manufacturer, producing stairlifts for all styles of stairs be they straight, curved or even outdoor. The range and colour of upholstery available ensure that Stannah Stairlifts can successfully blend with the décor of any home. All Stannah Stairlifts are independently tested and approved to the full BS5776 (1996) accreditation. This is the British Standard to which all reputable stairlift manufacturers must comply. In addition, Stannah Stairlifts all come with a comprehensive 12 month parts and labour guarantee, as well as one complimentary service visit. As part of Stannah's thorough after sales service, their customer service staff are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, all working from the nationwide network of service branches that make Stannah a truly national business with the local touch. For more information please visit http://www.stannahstairlifts.co.uk

4. Help the Aged has a number of exercise resources including advice leaflets and exercise DVD/videos. For more information visit http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/fallsday

Help the Aged