Residents aged 60 plus enjoyed a range of taster activity sessions at Heston Pools & Fitness on Tuesday 3 December, including dance, Otago strength and balance, aqua aerobics and swimming. With each class at full capacity.
More than 30 residents also brought their old slippers and swapped them for a new pair at the ‘Slipper Exchange’. As proper slippers can play a significant role in preventing falls, while old, worn-out ones can lead to serious injuries, resulting in hospitalisation and a loss of independence and confidence. The new slippers are designed with features including secure fastenings and sturdy soles.
There were also opportunities for residents to get a blood pressure check, talk to health and care professionals, and community services.
The new Steady and Active website lists a range of falls prevention community, council, and clinical services, plus the tailored activity programme. Residents can also take the new online Staying Steady Test designed by the West London NHS Falls Prevention and Bone Health Service to help them navigate to the best service to support to their needs.
Proactive Falls Prevention in Hounslow
The goal is to support the delivery of a whole system and community coordinated approach to preventing falls by working with a range of professionals and community groups.
The clinical element of the Falls Prevention project went live on the 30 January 2023, with a new Falls prevention referral pathway for those at risk of falling, and those who have experienced a fall.
All clinical referrals go through a single referral pathway within the NHS Falls Prevention and Bone Health Service, where they are assessed by a clinician. The team will decide if the patient should be seen within the clinic, or if a referral is needed to the Home Safety Team, SDEC, Physio, Occupational therapy, dietitian, oral health, hearing/speech therapy, strength & balance classes, home safety assessments, home fire safety assessments, or social prescribers.
To support a whole system approach, the clinical falls service recently trained the Health Outreach Team (HOT) to undertake Gait and Balance tests in the community, and from November 2024 HOT will be able to complete localised World Falls Algorithm tests in the community for residents aged 60 plus.
The BBP launched the Stay Steady and Active falls prevention project in October 2024. By all partners collaborating with community and health services the project is able to deliver a new extensive range of activity classes for residents aged 60 plus, and provide an easier to navigate falls offer for residents.