Mind your step! A falls prevention programme designed to reduce falls in those over 75 years

Falls among older people cause significant mortality and morbidity, thus presenting a serious issue for older people and health and social care professionals alike. The simple occurrence of a fall conceals the range of physical, psychological, social and environmental factors, which can contribute to this event. Research advocates that professionals should engage with health promotion and develop individualised preventions in order to minimise risk of falling. In this study, a multi-disciplinary, falls prevention initiative was developed with older people who had recently fallen. The initiative started with a common assessment but was followed by a variable, individualised programme of different interventions. The older people involved were assessed pre-and post-intervention, using a questionnaire checklist, on several different dimensions associated with falling. Outcomes were assessed in terms of reduction in risk and the incidence of falls, both of which were found to be statistically significant in several of the identified dimensions post-intervention. Consequently, it could be estimated that approximately 44 falls were prevented through this nine-month initiative. This study would support the integration of this falls prevention initiative into routine community care practice through the existing over-75 health check and the development of a specialised falls team. Further research would be beneficial to follow up whether the reduction in the incidence of falling is sustained over time. Enhanced participation of user, carer, voluntary and community partners is recommended as this would allow older people themselves to play an active role in improving their own well-being and that of others.