Falls Services

Herefordshire

Talk Community Directory have created a helpful falls prevention section on their website. It includes information about support in your area. 

Herefordshire Falls Prevention Service

If you have experienced a fall, feel at risk of or worried about having a fall, or have concerns about your balance, the Herefordshire Falls Prevention Service may be able to help. The service is provided by Wye Valley NHS Trust, with clinics available locally throughout Herefordshire. Through assessment and intervention, the Falls Prevention Service can help to:

• Identify potential causes of falls
• Make changes to reduce the risk of falls and injuries
• Improve strength, balance, mobility and dizziness
• Regain confidence
• Maintain independence
• Know how to cope in the event of a fall

The Falls Prevention Service runs a waiting list for appointments.

Clinics for assessment are provided by a specialist team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Following initial assessment in clinic, there is opportunity for a home environment assessment for people who may have concerns about falls risks in their home. If you are unable to access clinic or have urgent therapy needs please contact the Community Integrated Response Hub on 01432 808750.

To self-refer to the Falls Prevention Service, please complete the self-referral form below and email to fallsreferrals@nhs.net. If you have any questions, or are unable to complete a self-referral form, please call the service directly on 01568 617309.

Please contact your GP surgery if you have experienced unexplained falls, including blackout or loss of consciousness.

Worcestershire

The Worcestershire County Council website has lots of information about falls prevention. Use their guide to learn;

• if you're at risk of falling
• steps to look after yourself
• what to do if you have a fall

Worcestershire Neighbourhood Teams

Your local neighbourhood team can visit you at home to undertake a multi-factorial falls assessment. Depending on your locality, the assessment may be completed by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse or a specially trained therapy assistant. Please note, this service is for housebound patients only.

The assessment will involve taking a history of your falls. It will also look at all the factors that can potentially contribute to falling and/or unsteadiness. This will include questions about: 

• General health 

• Medication 

• Continence 

• Memory 

• Bone health 

• Foot health 

• Hearing 

• Vision 

You will also have your blood pressure checked in both lying and standing positions.

The clinician will consider your home environment and any support you are receiving and can signpost to other services should this be required, including Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.  

Any risks that have been identified as a potential cause of your falls or as risks for future falls will be addressed with you.   

If your assessment is not completed by a physiotherapist but the clinician assessing you has highlighted concerns about your balance or mobility, they will refer you for further assessment to look at the following: 

• Mobility 

• Muscle strength and range of movement 

• Sensation 

• Balance  

A therapist may provide you with some exercises to help improve your strength and balance which can reduce your risk of future falls.  They can also provide equipment that may assist you to access your home safely and with greater independence.   

Any medical issues that are identified during your assessment will be fed back directly to your GP practice for action/investigation.   

If you answer yes to all the below, you can self-refer to the service without the need to see your GP.  

• Are housebound 
• Are registered with a GP in Worcestershire 
• Have fallen
• Are at risk of or are worried about falling  
• Have concerns about your balance and/or mobility 

To self-refer, please complete the self-referral form below and email to your local neigbourhood team (see table below).  If you have any questions, or are unable to complete a self-referral form, please call the service directly on 0300 123 7593. If you answered no to the questions above, there are still things you can do to reduce your risk of falling. See the resources and tips listed at the top of this page.