Falls Prevention Service

Contact us

Please see the contact details for the relevant team.

What we do

Falls are a common and serious health issue for older people, with around a third of all people aged 65 and over falling each year, increasing to half of those aged 80 and over. Some medical conditions can also cause you to be more likely to fall.

Fortunately, there are a whole host of things that can be done to help prevent falls and fractures.

Your GP, KCHFT and services run by the East Kent Hospital Trust all work together to provide you with support to prevent falls and help you recover from a fall.

East Kent Falls Prevention

Postural Stability classes

0300 013 2022
kentchft.posturalstability@nhs.net

In east Kent, the trust Postural Stability Team run face to face community and online falls prevention classes known as Postural Stability classes. We are a team of postural stability instructors who lead falls prevention classes for a minimum of 12 weeks for older people at a risk of falling. The majority of our participants are independent and able to get around but are starting to feel unsteady at times.

If you live in the area you can be referred by healthcare professionals, or self-refer to take part in exercise classes of between 12 and 36 weeks duration. These classes are specifically for those that do not require 1 to 1 treatment for falls prevention. Participants do not need to be fallers but may be feeling that they could fall in the future, have osteoporosis, balance or mobility issues.

Patients who wish to participate online must be able to access the internet and use the Zoom video platform (help can be given). If you have a laptop or other device but are unsure how to access an online class, our team can advise you further. Often, the waiting list will be shorter for those waiting for an online class.

All participants must be able to walk 50 yards and stand independently for two minutes with or without aids, be able to follow instruction and have the consent of their GP or be medically fit to attend the group.

Intermediate Care Teams

Who were are

Intermediate Care Teams exist across East Kent and are made up of Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Rehab Workers. These teams can support you if you are house bound and will come to visit you at home.

What we do

We can support you with an in depth assessment of your falls risk including physical, environmental and medical factors. We aim to reduce the risk of falls, to improve outcomes for those who do fall and to help patients achieve maximum independence in daily living activities. We may offer advice and information, equipment, support with strength and balance exercises or refer you on to a more appropriate service.

How do I access this service

If you are struggling to get out of your house because of your balance then please contact your GP who may feel it is appropriate to refer you one of the Intermediate Care Teams in East Kent for a falls risk assessment.

West Kent Falls Prevention

West Kent Falls Prevention Service

Who we are

We are a multi-disciplinary team that includes consultants, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and therapy assistants. We provide holistic assessment of falls risk factors including physical, environmental and medical factors. We work within our clinics, patients’ homes and rehabilitation groups to ensure a seamless assessment and rehabilitation pathway. We aim to reduce the risk of falls, to improve outcomes for those who do fall and to help patients achieve maximum independence in daily living activities. This improves patient well-being, reduces admissions and reduces personal and financial costs in the long term.

What we do

Multifactorial falls and osteoporosis screening
Occupational Therapy assessment including environmental, home hazard, cognitive, and functional (Activities of Daily Living) factors
Physiotherapy assessment including balance and musculoskeletal assessment and, where appropriate, vestibular screening
Falls rehabilitation in group setting
Provision of equipment and minor adaptations
Case review patients by consultant geriatrician in multidisciplinary meeting
Consultant clinic appointment where indicated and liaison with GP regarding further assessment and treatment

How do I access this service

If you have a West Kent GP, are at risk of falls and are aged over 65 years old you may be appropriate for this service.

Referrals are to be made from health professional via:

West Kent Local Referral Unit
0300 123 1950
kcht.LRUwestkent@nhs.net

Print this page

Print | PDF | Email

Share on social media

Your stories

How the Roger Pen has helped patients hear again

STEADY does it

Your comments

Previous Next

March 2024
West Kent

A pleasant and helpful therapy assistant who made a considerable difference to my ability and confidence.

February 2024
West Kent

Staff listened to my concerns. Gave clear information. Took into account individuals abilities.

May 2023
West Kent

The experience was first class and very extensive and very helpful for my problem.

May 2023
West Kent

The sessions were very thorough, both the exercises and the information.

May 2023
West Kent

Jay (physio) helped me understand why I am falling and gave me good advice. She was very kind to me as well.

May 2023
West Kent

Jacob made a lot of things much clearer and I now know what I need to do to improve balance, etc.

April 2023
West Kent

All the staff were very kind and attentive. They took their time to explain each exercise to ensure you understood which part of the body benefitted.

April 2023
East Kent

Made very welcome with good team support.

April 2023
West Kent

I found the clinic very helpful. Staff were very sympathetic and knowledgeable.

April 2023
East Kent

It has improved my quality of wellbeing. The staff and the communication has been exceptional.

April 2023
West Kent

Very informative and helpful. Kind and friendly.

April 2023
East Kent

Good and friendly instructors made each session enjoyable.

March 2023
East Kent

Tutors were very understanding with regard to individual circumstances.

March 2023
East Kent

The leaders in the course were articulate and warm, so communication was good.

March 2023
West Kent

Made me feel secure and always very kind. Treated with respect at all times.

March 2023
West Kent

Emmie very professional and gave very good information. 100%.

March 2023
East Kent

Ffriendly atmosphere and explanation of reason for exercise.

March 2023
West Kent

A very good experience and understood everything that was explained.

January 2023
West Kent

Friendly staff, professional approach. Knew what they were talking about. Put my wife at ease. Good bedside manner.

January 2023
West Kent

Anna gave good explaination of exercises and I received appropriate equipment which is very helpful.

January 2023
East Kent

Empathic staff.

January 2023
West Kent

I can understand it, thanks to Jay, comprehensive and sensitive.

January 2023
West Kent

Lidia was very friendly and gave lots of different ideas and options to help make life easier.

January 2023
East Kent

Friendly instructors - able to work at my own pace. Progressing each week to maintain my health and balance.

December 2022
West Kent

Jay was very helpful and kind to me and my husband, very informative.

December 2022
East Kent

Friendly atmosphere and teachers.

December 2022
West Kent

Hanne listened to my worries and I think her team will be able to help me.

December 2022
West Kent

Examination was thorough and very interesting, very helpful, thanks Jacob.

December 2022
East Kent

Staff seemed very knowledgeable and approachable. Although I was very nervous about falling, I actually felt safe.

December 2022
East Kent

The course is presented professionally but with sympathy and understanding. Have found it beneficial with everlasting exercises and advice.

June 2022
Folkestone

Sue and Teresa were highly supportive and knowledgeable, whilst keeping the sessions fun and lively.

May 2022
West Kent

Femi was excellent and was very kind and helpful.

June 2022
Swale

Always on time and well run.

May 2022
West Kent

Jay (physio) was very kind to my mother, she helped her a lot, useful advice provided.

May 2022
Ashford

Achievable goals, cheerful and approachable teams.

May 2022
West Kent

Physio was helpful and sympathetic. She is good listener.

May 2022
West Kent

My mum was seen by Narinder. Extremely professional, understanding. Was being shadowed by an apprentice which we were comfortable having around and Narinder will be a fantastic role model.

April 2022
West Kent

I felt very comfortable with everything.

April 2022
Swale

Everything has been far more tham I was expecting. Excellent staff - ambience and constructive. Thank you. A big thank you to Vena and Tracy.

April 2022
West Kent

Very professional in every action and very patient and respectful.

March 2022
West Kent

The physio's Anna and Louise all were very good, very sympathetic and felt you can ask any question when you have. It was a wonderful experience.

March 2022
West Kent

All aspects explained carefully to make sure I understood.

March 2022
Herne Bay

These ladies are so welcoming and helpful I have definitely improved since starting this class.

March 2022
West Kent

The physiotherapist was extremely helpful and considerate.

February 2022
Swale

It’s a great service, just what I need to improve my stability and balance and general mobility.

February 2022
Ashford

Instructors are caring, motivating and educating.

February 2022
Thanet

Everything was explained clearly and how it would be of benefit. Able to go at own pace and help given when needed.

February 2022
Ashford

Fantastic care and thoughtful tutoring. Never boring.

January 2022
Swale

The instructors were very pleasent and helpful. I felt the exercises sufficiently demanding to help improve our fitness. Fun and very enjoyable.

February 2022
West Kent

Very professional service.

January 2022
Swale

The service is very attentive and caring. Staff very kind and encouraging.

December 2021
West Kent

You always answered all questions, always helpful.

December 2021
West Kent

We have been treated with the utmost respect and listened to at each point. We are so grateful for the support we have received.

November 2021
West Kent

Very professional and helpful service.

November 2021
West Kent

Kind and pleasant, Priyanka was supportive.

November 2021
Thanet

Exercises helpful, taken at the right speed, encouraging teacher.

October 2021
West Kent

Very professional approach and very thorough.

October 2021
West Kent

Jay was very nice to me and my husband during our appointment. She explained everything. I am glad I came to see Jay for physio.

June 2021
West Kent

Perfect attention - very thorough.

June 2021
West Kent

Seeing improvement since start of class in my balance and strength. Finding class very useful.

June 2021
West Kent

I am very pleased with all the help and expertise given by all staff members. All done with patience and gave a happy atmosphere throughout.

November 2022
West Kent

Emmie was professional, helpful, experienced, knew and identified our needs and addressed them well.

November 2022
East Kent

Patience and efficiency of instructors. A helpful course.

November 2022
West Kent

Very kind and professional therapist. All help was explained in detail, all questions answered fully. In all, an excellent experience.

November 2022
East Kent

Gave me confidence walking. Good being in a group. Excellent instructors.

October 2022
East Kent

Professional, friendly instructors who geared the course to the needs of the individual participants.

October 2022
West Kent

Jacob's presentation and manner was excellent. Good advice and professional approach - impressed!

October 2022
West Kent

I found Hanne to be very helpful and explained everything very thoroughly.

October 2022
East Kent

Well organised in a friendly and professional manner, catering for all and enabling improvement at all levels.

September 2022
West Kent

Extremely thorough, friendly, professional consultation. Thanks.

September 2022
East Kent

The commitment and dedication of Sue and Teresa was fabulous, they helped me and encouraged me to do the best I could.

September 2022
West Kent

The course has been very informative and interesting - lots of tips.

August 2022
West Kent

A very informative and helpful consultation.

September 2022
East Kent

Friendly atmosphere encouragement and understanding.

August 2022
Deal

Very helpful to all. They gave attention to all. Always took each person as an individual. Great teachers kind and took time to know each person .

August 2022
West Kent

The physio was excellent, gave us very good attention and advice.

July 2022
West Kent

Narinder, Conor and the other staff have listened to my needs and have been very lovely. They have empowered me to do more than I ever thought possible.

August 2022
Swale

Friendly, helpful staff giving confidence to participants.

July 2022
West Kent

Jacob is very efficient and helpful.

July 2022
West Kent

Very happy. 'Im very glad about having my visit.

July 2022
Herne Bay

Achieved a lot and feel one hundred percent better for taking part.

July 2022
Ashford

Excellent service gave us all the information requited to keep us safe at home and outside.

July 2022
West Kent

I felt very reassured by the treatment I received by Jay