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Getting help and advice |
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There are plenty of ways in which to get help and advice to prevent falls,
Your G.P. can be your first point of contact for help and advice and he/she will be part of a team of healthcare professionals who can further help and advise you. These include:
Community nurses
These are led by district nurses and will regularly be involved in visiting and caring for people in their own homes. They can asses and advise on the risk of falling and will refer to other professionals as necessary. Community nurses along with G.Ps can especially offer advice regarding the use of medicines and tablets.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists are often working in the community alongside 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 G.P. can refer you to a physiotherapist either in your own home or in the surgery or at the local hospital.
Physiotherapists may also work in private practice -look for Chartered Physiotherapists in the yellow pages.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists are skilled at assessment of problems that affect the activities of daily living and function. They sometimes work for social services and can advise on aids and adaptations in the home. They also work within the NHS and can visit patients at home or see them in the surgery or at the local hospital. 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 glasses can cause particular problems. Have your eyesight checked regularly and your optician can give advice and help to improve your vision.
Chiropodists
Chiropodists are skilled in dealing with problems affecting feet. Poor footwear and problems with your feet can affect your balance and stability. Chiropodists can offer help and advice on these issues. They work in surgeries and health clinics and often visit patients in their own 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 risk of osteoporosis and fracture. They may be working in GP surgeries or health centres or hospitals and can offer help and advice.
Specialist clinics
It may be necessary for a GP or health care professional to refer to a specialist clinic for further advice and help. This may be a clinic run by an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or a consultant specialising in care of the elderly. It could also be a specialist falls clinic. These clinics are usually supported by a full multi professional 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 that you may have.
Local Authorities
These organisations provide help and advice through a number of services.
These include social services, who can arrange for an assessment of your problems and then appropriate support and care. Rehabilitation care assistants are employed by some social services departments, they help therapists deliver an appropriate rehabilitation programme.
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.
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
Care and Repair Schemes
Handy-Person Schemes
and many more
for more information click here for the website links |
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