Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information about our service
This service may be running differently, for example, offering virtual appointments.
Please see your appointment letter for details or contact the service.
Keep up-to-date with the latest information, read our page on Coronavirus or our update on the COVID-19 vaccine.
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
In east Kent, the Trust Postural Stability team run community and online based 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. Classes currently take place using an online video platform. Face to face classes will be returning once it is safe to do so
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 must be able to access the internet and use the Zoom video platform (help can be given), 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.
If you have a laptop or other device but are unsure how to access an online class, our team can advise you further.
Contact the Postural Stability Team
07471 359004
kentchft.posturalstability@nhs.net
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
May 2020
West Kent
March 2020
West Kent
March 2020
Deal
March 2020
West Kent
February 2020
West Kent
February 2020
West Kent
February 2020
Shepway
February 2020
West Kent
February 2020
Shepway
January 2020
West Kent
January 2020
Ashford
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Ashford
January 2020
West Kent
December 2019
Folkestone
December 2019
West Kent
July 2019
Swale
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West Kent
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Thanet
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Ashford
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West Kent
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Folkestone
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West Kent
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West Kent
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West Kent
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West Kent
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Ashford
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Swale
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Folkestone
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West Kent
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West Kent
February 2019
Swale
February 2019
Folkestone
February 2019
Swale
November 2019
Thanet
December 2019
Herne Bay
November 2019
Ashford
November 2019
Ashford
November 2019
Shepway
May 2018
Herne Bay
May 2018
Swale
April 2018
Deal
April 2018
Folkestone
April 2018
Thanet
January 2018
Folkestone
January 2018
Ashford
January 2018
Folkestone
February 2018
Thanet
February 2018
Ashford
February 2018
Folkestone
December 2016
Ashford
December 2016
Deal
December 2016
Thanet
December 2016
Maidstone