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Queensland Health

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Brisbane South Community Rehabilitation Service and the Queensland Ambulance Service

17 November 2008

Staff at the Brisbane South CRS have recognised a significant number of falls patients remain at home after QAS staff respond to a fall call-out.

As a result, CRS has teamed up with a team from the QAS to kick-start an educational campaign and study for 65+ year-old falls patients.

Patients eligible for the new program include those aged 65 or over, who did not require treatment, or refused treatment following their last fall incident.

This specific demographic was chosen as these patients did not travel to hospital, and were therefore not subject to fall prevention material.

By rapidly increasing the fall prevention information available to these patients via the QAS and CRS, it was hoped the number of fall incidents could be reduced.

By assessing all multifactorial aspects surrounding the patient such as home environment, functional level and mobility, the CRS is able to design a tailored program for willing falls patients.

The program includes eight sessions at the client’s home or at QEII Jubilee Hospital, depending on the needs and mobility of the client.

It incorporates balance techniques and elements of Tai-Chi.

Staff will also identify potential modifications that could be made to make a patient’s home more fall-friendly.

With a strong educational focus, staff will also provide information on diet and nutrition, future planning and general falls prevention tactics such as footwear.