VISIT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF

FALLS IN THE HOME

Falls are the biggest cause of accidental death amongst older people in the UK and a major cause of disability with as many as 1500 people over the age of 65 dying from falls in the home each year. 

 

Research shows that 80% of older women would rather die than experience the loss of independence caused by a fall. Avicenna, the UK’s largest Independent Pharmacy support organisation, is offering a free falls assessment to anyone personally concerned of falling in the home and also to those who are responsible for an older person whether it be a carer or relative. 

 

The assessment is being run by the local pharmacists who have been specially trained to offer a free tailored medicines check.  The pharmacist will use these skills to identify if you or a loved one is at risk from falls in the home and then make appropriate recommendations for effective treatment and rehabilitation. 

 

Some prescribed drugs may contribute to causing a fall.  The use of four or more medications has a strong association with the risk of falling due to a patients increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or loss of balance.  The pharmacist will use the Falls Risk Assessment Tool to identify those with a high risk of falling and refer the patient to their GP if necessary. 

Having a medication review may lead to a change in prescription which has been shown to reduce falls further .

 

As well as guidance on existing medication, the pharmacist will give advice on lifestyle factors that can affect a patient’s risk of falling, including healthy living advice and gentle exercise tips.  Patients will be offered leaflets on falls prevention as well as a useful falls hazard checklist to help identify risks in their own home.

 

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK said:, “The consequences of a fall in later life can be physically and emotionally devastating, potentially resulting in a loss of mobility, independence and confidence, yet they are by no means an inevitable part of the ageing process. There are a range of things older people can do to help maintain their strength and balance and, Age UK welcomes this initiative which has the potential to reduce falls amongst older people.”

 

Salim Jetha, CEO of Avicenna adds, “Falls can seriously affect a person’s quality of life.  We hope that the campaign will increase awareness of the impact of falls in older people and long term we hope to see a reduction in the number of falls.  Community pharmacy is an important and easily accessible channel for sharing this information and advice.  We are very pleased to have worked closely with Age UK and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to develop such a comprehensive initiative.   It is our intention to use this training to forge greater relationships between the pharmacist and the local community.” 

 

 

Note:

• Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.