18/07/05

Representatives from the Queen's Nursing Institute and Help the Aged (Gloucestershire) will visit Gloucester on Tuesday 19th July (Oxstalls Tennis Centre, Plock Court) to recognise 'leading edge' work to reduce the risk of older people falling.

The visit co-incides with 'National Falls Awareness Day' and is specifically designed to support and raise the profile of innovative joint work between West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Social Services and Care Homes.

The consequences of falling can be devastating. Some older people are at risk of falling and suffer physical and psychological trauma. Tragically some older people do not recover. National statistics show that 50% of hospital admissions from Care Homes are due to residents suffering falls and 60% of people living in care homes fall repeatedly during a single year.

With the support of the Queen's Nursing Institute, a project called 'Taking Active Ageing into Care Homes' has been working closely with staff in care homes since January this year. The main aim of the project is to support care home staff in reducing the number and severity of falls.

A project team comprising of nurses, a healthy living worker, an active life co-ordinator and a qualified fitness instructor have provided knowledge training and expert coaching on safe activity sessions to 20 staff over a three month period.

Each care home has received professional equipment to help staff deliver safe and enjoyable activity sessions for older people. The coming together of staff from across West Gloucestershire has also created valuable networking opportunities.

The project has recently welcomed a second intake of 26 staff and they have now completed their induction.

To close the event, Chair of West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Liz Boait, Chief Executive, Stephen Golledge and a representative from the Queen's Nursing Institute will be presenting the first group of staff with their 'Active Ageing Practitioner' awards.

Chief Executive of West Gloucestershire PCT, Stephen Golledge said:

"The 'Taking Active Ageing into Care Homes' project is an excellent example of the joint commitment that exists to put in place preventative programmes that aim to enhance the physical and mental well-being of older people living in care homes. This project recognises the importance and value of care home staff in supporting older people."

"By raising staff awareness and empowering them through knowledge and skills, there is a genuine opportunity to reduce the incidence and severity of falls."

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care at Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Tony Hicks said:

"We know that frail residents in care homes are often prone to falls and as a result can sustain serious injuries. This innovative project which uses careful research and the skills of health and social care staff to meet the individual needs of care home residents is a significant step forward."

Anne Pearson, Practice Development Facilitator at the Queen's Nursing Institute said:

"The care homes themselves benefit as community spirit increases and staff feel empowered to provide additional help to residents. This is an excellent piece of work and we congratulate the health and social care team in West Gloucestershire who are leading this project."

The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) was founded in 1887 and stands at the heart of community nursing. Through its award scheme and professional support programme, the Institute is dedicated to supporting community nurses and patients. In January, the 'Active Ageing' project received funding worth £5,747 through the QNI's Innovation and Creative Practice Award scheme.

Also this week, Health and Social Services will launch a new 'Falls' patient booklet aimed at giving patients more information about avoiding or coping with falls.

The booklet provides patients with important phone numbers for agencies within Gloucestershire who can help and also provides useful guidance on what to do if they, or someone they care for, does fall.

The booklet is being distributed to healthcare providers (including GP surgeries and pharmacists) and also libraries and housing groups to try to reach as many people as possible.