LAURA HALCROW 29/01/14 1 Empowering service users and
supporting self- management
Slide 2
The facts: Definition a fall An event which results in a person
coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or lower level 2
Slide 3
Who is at risk of falls? 3
Slide 4
Falls represent the most frequent type of accident in the over
65s Just under 295,00 people over 65 fall each year in Scotland.
4
Slide 5
5 1 in 3 fall each year 65+ yrs 1 in 2 fall each year 85+ yrs
In the UK, one person fractures their: Hip every 10 minutes, Wrist
every 9 minutes Spine every 3 minutes 3% of people who fall are
admitted as in- patient
Slide 6
What % of falls result in a serious injury? 6
Slide 7
7 10% One in ten!
Slide 8
What % of falls are reported to a health professional? 8
Slide 9
9 20-25% are reported Only around 10% receive assessment Makes
prevention challenging!
Slide 10
What is the biggest indicator that a person will have a fall?
(i.e. the greatest risk factor) ? 10
Slide 11
A previous fall Repeat or multiple falls increase the risk of
having an injurious fall. 11 Half of all people who fall will fall
again within the following year
Slide 12
Why do we fall? 12
Slide 13
Why do we fall? 13 Biological reasons (Person-related):
Previous history of Falls Medical History - e.g. Parkinsons,
dizziness, postural hypotension 4 or more medicines Pain Balance,
gait or mobility problem Loss of muscle power Fear of falling
Confusion Visual impairment Continence
Slide 14
Why do we fall? 14 Behavioural reasons: Sedentary lifestyle
Poor nutrition and hydration Alcohol Footwear Refusal to use
assistive devices
Slide 15
Why do we fall? 15 Environmental hazards account for about 25
to 45% of the causes of Falls in older people.
Slide 16
Summary: consequence of falling 16
Slide 17
Human Cost of a Fall 17 Muscle wasting Death Immobility From
immobility Incontinence Fractures Hypothermia Dehydration PHYSICAL
Soft tissue damage Pressure sores/ Leg ulceration Pneumonia/Chest
Infection Dislocation Sub-dural haematoma
Slide 18
Human Cost of a Fall 18 Feelings of Uselessness Increased
Dependency Carer Stress Emotional Distress Loss of confidence Loss
of control Anxiety/Depression PSYCHOLOGICAL Social
Isolation/Withdrawal Embarrassment Low self esteem Fear of Further
falls
Slide 19
Falls are not an inevitable consequence of old age 19 Falls are
nearly always due to one of more underlying risk factors.
Recognising and modifying these risk factors is crucial in
preventing falls and injuries. Multi-factorial, individualised
interventions, based on risk assessment, can reduce falls by up to
30%. From: Falls and fractures: developing a local joint strategic
needs assessment. (DoH 2009)
22 The risk of falling can never be completely removed, but by
carrying out a falls risk assessment on an individual, risk factors
can be identified and action taken to remove or alter risk where
possible There will be cases when an individual remains at high
risk of falling despite thorough assessment and management,
however, the focus should be on anticipating and preventing
problems before they occur.
Slide 23
Prevention: the evidence Early identification and
individualised intervention, based on risk assessment Can reduce
falls by up to 30% Sustained strength & balance training Home
environment assessment & intervention 23
Slide 24
Self management 24 Not all people want or need assessment by
health and social care staff. Health and social care services are
changing to become more person centred and proactive. It involves
giving individuals an active role in their own care. It is about
giving the person the information and support to make their own
decisions and plans to manage their health.
Slide 25
25 Do you have access/use a PC, tablet or smart phone to access
the internet?
Slide 26
Why use technology? Surveys have shown that 26% of people over
65 use the internet. This rises to 63% for those between 55-63.
People are becoming more reliant on technology. Good medium to
reach a lot of the public with health information. 26
Slide 27
What are we planning? 27 An internet based self assessment
measure to reduce your falls risk. This will include answering a
series of questions and completing activities about your general
health, mobility and environment etc. Once completed this will give
you an individualised personal action plan which will aid you to
self manage your falls risk.
Slide 28
The Evidence 28 There has been a web site developed by Dr S
Nyman to give tailored advice regarding balance exercise
activities. This has been proven through studies to be an
acceptable and effective method of giving advice to elderly people
regarding exercise to prevent falls. There are some websites that
offer falls prevention advice. Currently there are no web sites
that allow the user to self assess their own falls risk and get
information/advice relevant to them.
Slide 29
What will it look like? 29
Slide 30
How will it work? 30
Slide 31
Spot the hazard! 31
Slide 32
Spot the hazard answers 32 Rug Wires Clutter Bed Clothes Not
much space for access Position of sockets Lighting
Slide 33
Think about your own bedroom 33 Do you have any of these
hazards? For example if we identify trailing wires as an issue. The
process that will happen through the web site is shown by the
diagram. Click on wires Advice re cable ties/fix to skirting board
Signposted on to local handyman services.(Care and Repair)
Slide 34
Please give us your feedback 34 What do you think? Would you
use this? Are you interested in being involved with the
design/testing of this?