Lincolnshire's Falls Prevention Service a Success

Last year Lincolnshire rolled out a scheme across the county to help prevent older people falling in their own homes.

The service was started up in response to recommendations made by Lincolnshire council's health scrutiny committee, as it was felt necessary to reduce the load of emergency ambulance services and avoid hospital admissions. It is a joint venture by NHS Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and Age UK co-operative Providing Adult Services And Care Across Lincolnshire (Pascal).

So far 1,300 people who have suffered falls or felt they were at risk of falling have been helped by the service.

Four case workers visit clients in their own homes and advising them as to how they can minimise risk to themselves and prevent falls.

Ms Bev Manson who works for Pascal in Lincolnshire said: "As we get older we all have an increased risk of falling, especially in the home environment, and our aim is to help reduce the risks and help people feel more independent. Our case workers can arrange home visits to carry out fall prevention checks, offer advice and contact other agencies on clients' behalf if need be."

Ms Manson added that the organisation has succeeded in helping over 65s in the area feel safer and reduce their risk of falls in their own homes.

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