Herefordshire Falls Prevention Service

Herefordshire Falls Prevention Service is a free service for older people who have fallen, are at risk of or are worried about falling, or have concerns about their balance.

Who is the service for?

The service is for people who have had falls or stumbles, who feel they are at risk of falls, or who have lost confidence and are afraid of falling.

How can we help you?

The Falls Prevention Service can help you to:

• Identify the cause of falls
• Prevent further falls
• Improve strength, balance and mobility
• Regain confidence
• Maintain independence

How can I access the service?

You can ask your GP, nurse or therapist to refer you to the service. We will then contact you with an appointment.

Who might I see and why?

The Falls Prevention Service consists of:

Consultant Geriatricians

Clinics are held at Hereford County Hospital. The appointment will last for 45 minutes and will include talking about what happened at the time you fell, discussing any relevant past medical history, review of medication and tablets and a physical examination and balance assessment.

The consultant may advise further investigations (such as blood tests) or suggest that you would benefit from seeing the Specialist Falls Prevention Physiotherapist or Staying Steady Programme.

Specialist Falls Prevention Physiotherapist

 Clinics are held at weekly at Hereford County Hospital, or monthly at Ross, Ledbury and Leominster Community Hospitals. The first appointment will last 1 hour and will be a one-to-one appointment to review strength, balance, mobility, confidence, coping strategies and walking aids.

Following the initial appointment, the physiotherapist will advise on further treatment, which may include provision of a home exercise programme, one-to-one exercise sessions, advice regarding walking aids, advice about how to cope if you have a fall and how to get up again, or onwards referral to other services including occupational therapy or group-based exercise through the Staying Steady Programme.

The Staying Steady Programme

A 10 week programme of 1 hour exercise and 1 hour education per week run by a specialist falls prevention physiotherapist and occupational therapist. The group runs at locations in Hereford, Ledbury, Ross, Bromyard and Leominster.

The initial assessment will last 1 hour. Please bring walking aids and medications you may need with you and wear comfortable clothing and flat supportive shoes.

Support Workers

Support workers are available to support the Staying Steady Programme, review patients at home or in clinic for an initial risk assessment or to assist with prescribed home-exercise programmes, install aids to daily living, and give support with increasing confidence and mobility.

Can I bring someone with me?

You are welcome to bring a relative or carer with you to any appointment; they are also welcome to join in with the Staying Steady Programme if they wish!

What if I need further advice or assistance?

We can give you help and advice regarding any other services you may benefit from, such as Telecare or a handyman service.

How do I contact the service directly?

If you have any queries or concerns please feel free to contact the Falls Prevention Service on: 01531 637610

Further information can be found on this website by clicking on the links above.