1. KFRS Falls Pathway with Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Clinical Commissioning Group and Kent Public Health January 2016

2. Why a Referral Pathway Increasing number of elderly fallers
Costs of acute care rising
Prevention and education reduces some risks
Joint home safety visits linked to pre-screens
Links to postural/exercise classes

3. How does it work
KFRS conduct a falls risk assessment during a vulnerable person visit.
Pre-screen assessment uses 5 questions
to measure stability, balance, check
medication and review trip hazards.

4. The Falls Screening
Questionnaire includes 5 questions which determine the level of risk for the Falls Prevention Service:
Reason for referral
Yes No
Is there a history of any fall in the previous year (injurious and non-injurious)?
Is the person on 4 or more medications per day?
Does the person have a diagnosis of stroke or Parkinson’s Disease or other physical conditions which might mean they are more likely to fall (e.g. arthritis, diabetes)?
Does the person have any problems with their balance or feel they may fall?
Is the person unable to rise from a knee-height chair unaided?
Does the person have a fear of falling?

5. How does it work
The KFRS officer uses judgement around whether the falls risk assessment needs to be completed.
The pre-screens are ed to the Kent Falls Prevention Service.

6. The Falls Prevention Service
The Falls Prevention Service allocate an Access to Resources Centre (A2R) depending on geographical location.
A2R contacts the client and arranges a community nurse practitioner to visit.

7. Possible Client Outcomes
Postural classes – balance
Exercise classes – movement
GP referral - review of medication
Referral to home improvement team – adaptions
Enhanced home safety/vulnerable visit
Referral to other agencies such as Age UK, Carers First, Voluntary Action West Kent

8. Benefits to all partners
Home safety referrals – KFRS
Community signposting – all partners
Reduced number of elderly fallers
Reduced acute care costs
Fallers can be tracked on the pathway journey
Evaluation through the Falls Prevention Service and respective CCG

9. Results so far
DGS is the first CCG in Kent ready to pilot the Falls Pathway with Kent Public Health and KFRS.
Other CCGS are referring to the Prevention Service but not part of the North Kent pilot.
Number for referrals since November 2015 when the pilot launched: 47

10. Questions
Samantha Jones KFRS