Foot Sure Fall Free
Reducing the number of falls by older people
Pilot commissioned by a GP practice, now extended by the Department of Health
Well UK has completed a 6-month intervention commissioned by a GP practice to help reduce the number of falls, and injuries from falls, experienced by older people.
Foot Sure Fall Free interventions include individual assessments, tailored physical exercise, nutritional advice, and creative and social activities. The programme was designed holistically to address each person's particular physical, emotional, mental and environmental issues. It was based on early intervention: identifying risks for each individual and removing obstacles to them participating in falls prevention programmes.
It was designed to be flexible and to take into account the differing needs and circumstances of its beneficiaries, who are among the most at-risk groups. These include older people living in small council or housing association flats, very elderly people who are financially secure, living in privately owned retirements flats, and older people receiving care at home or in sheltered accommodation.
The Department of Health's Social Enterprise Unit has granted funding for the wider pilot through its Pathfinder programme, as well as granting funding to extend the Chrysalis pilot.
A number of different 'falls prevention pathways' are being developed in parts of Devon to pilot how Foot Sure Fall Free can add new services for people with different abilities which complement existing support for patients prone or at risk of falling. These 'pathways' allow patients to progress between different levels of support as their needs change.
Please contact us if you are a potential partner for this programme
