Falls and Fractures are among the leading cause of disability for adults over the age of 65.
WellSouth's B-Well Falls and Fracture Prevention team is here to help you manage your older patients who present with a history of falling or fracture. It is also suitable those who have risk factors that predict an increased risk of falling.
How do I identify my patients who are at risk of falls?
The three key questions to ask are:
1) Have you slipped tripped or fallen within the last 12 months?
2) Do you need to use your hands to get out of a chair?
3) Have you or do you avoid some activities because you are afraid you might fall?
If they say yes to any one of the three questions, we would encourage the practitioner asking to complete the Fragility Fracture Assessment on the WellSouth Portal. If the patient is unable to attend their GP surgery, the Fragility Fracture Assessment could be done by our team at the patient's home.
What is the benefit of a referral for my older patient?
We will contact them and discuss their falls risk, including screening for additional risk factors (e.g. polypharmacy, low mood, poor diet). From the assessment we then work with them to individualise a falls prevention programme. Part of our remit is to encourage participation in an exercise programme suitable for their age, strength and ability to leave the house. This could either be in the community with an accredited exercise provider or in their home.
Who is not suitable for a referral?
This is not a service for people who are needing urgent assistance to manage their falls risk at home.
People who can't follow an exercise programme unaided or within their current level of support.
If you wish to discuss a patient before you refer, please contact 0800 477 115
How to refer?
You can refer via ERMS under older people's health or use the form below.
Referral Form Be Well Falls and Fracture Prevention