Using Kinesis QTUG technology, our Falls Action service can help to significantly reduce the risk of falls for older adults.
Falls Screen (using a class 1 medical device) is the first step in preventing falls and we focus on assessing, prescribing and action. Our Falls Screen, using wireless sensor technology, enables our Chartered Physiotherapists to deliver an accurate falls risk assessment.
The Falls Screen will assess the risk of a fall occurring. Where there is a Medium to High risk identified a targeted rehabilitation programme, if indicated, in the form of follow up physio sessions, will be recommended. Where necessary the Physiotherapist may refer you back to your GP or for further tests if needed
Improved identification of mobility impairment and those at risk of falls can result in targeting interventions, preventive measures and care services towards those at highest risk.
At Falls Action, we believe that this approach will improve healthcare utilisation, reduce costs and improve quality of life in older adults. We will provide all our patients with a take home sheet with simple tips and advice on how to avoid having a fall and reducing your risk of having one.
To screen you, we will fit you with Kinesis QTUG sensors and take you through a simple walking exercise, taking no more than 15 minutes.
We use the clinical assessment and QTUG sensor data to assess risk with a high degree of accuracy.
Depending on the results of the falls screen, we’ll explain what you need to do to minimise risk.
One of the biggest effects on decreasing falls rates is Chartered Physiotherapy. Patients that have been identified as high risk of having a fall will be referred to one on one chartered physiotherapist for a schedule of rehabilitation treatments.
The Chartered Physiotherapist will work specifically with patients who have an identifiable and correctable gait disorder or mobility problem. The treatment programme will be regularly monitored and progressed to encourage ongoing compliance.
We can help those that have had falls in the past and are still at risk to rehabilitate correctly and improve their mobility.
The increased risk of falls starts at around 65 years of age. As expected falls risk will increase with time we would strongly recommend anyone over the age of 70 years old arranges a falls screening.
If you have a history of falls, or feel unsteady or have other reasons for concern we can screen you no matter what your age is. It is much easier to lower the risk of a fall than to recover from a fall: that is why we focus on preventing the fall.
No, but you will be given a report and feedback. The screening is purely an assessment and a screening, where we will discuss your various option pending the results of your falls risk screen.
A screening will take on average 20mins, sometimes less. More information on what to expect from a screening can be found below.
Our Falls Screen uses QTUG™ a wireless sensor based piece of equipment and a Class 1 Medical Device which, combined with another “best in class” falls assessment enables our Chartered Physiotherapists to deliver a more accurate falls risk assessment and a tailored intervention programme. The research for the QTUG has been scientifically validated by a dedicated research clinic, in St James’s Hospital in Dublin which assessed over 1,300 older adults.
Yes they can but we recommend that patients don’t use a mobility aid when doing the test as the falls risk estimate is not validated for this use. QTUG will still work in this case but may underestimate falls risk and mobility impairment
We can use QTUG™ to assess gait and mobility in patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
Contact us today at +353 1 5180357.
We can take referrals from GP’s and Clinics as well as direct bookings from those worried about having a fall or from those concerned about a loved one that they think may be at risk of having a fall.
We provide GP’s, Clinics and Residential care providers with on-site screening days. For more information contact us today:
info@spectrumhealth.ie
+353 1 5180357.
We accept cash or cards and you can pay after screening. You will get a receipts at the end of each session which can be used for tax purposes or as part of your health insurance claim.
Of course. We are recognised by all the major insurance companies and the screening is delivered by a Chartered Physiotherapist. Just check your own policy for its terms and conditions.
Our screenings and assessments are delivered by a Chartered Physiotherapist and only take 20 mins. Our Physiotherapists will ask you a series of questions before placing sensors on your leg below your knee. The sensors will be worn over your clothes. From a sitting position, you will be taken through a simple walking exercise and return to a sitting position.
The data from the sensors will be sent instantaneously to the Physiotherapists handheld tablet where he/she will be able to see the patients falls risk estimate immediately. How the patient compares to someone of the same age and sex is obtained as well as data on 52 separate points of mobility. It is the 52 data points of mobility which will allow the Physio to deliver specific targeted interventions.
Depending on the patients falls risk estimate, the Physiotherapists may take you through further testing using an additional “best in class” falls assessment
After the screening the Physio will advise you on your falls risk, and recommend a care pathway to follow. They will provide you with a sheet with tips and advice to prevent falls and a report on your screening. With your consent a detailed copy of your report is sent to your GP too along with your advised care pathway.
If Physiotherapy is part of your recommended care pathway we will be able to provide your own Physio with the information to administer targeted interventions. We can also recommend a suitably trained Chartered Physiotherapist to you if required.
Our Physiotherapist will take a full medical history and assess factors that will influence your safety while completing your exercise programme. A full rehabilitation programme will be prescribed based on the screening data and shown to you. Progressions will be made as you find yourself able to complete the prescribed exercises to enable you to become more independent, more confident, reduce the risk of falling and the associated fear of falling.
Depending on your falls risk you may be seen from anything from zero to 12 times approximately in a year. There will be reviews with progressions after specific time periods which are individual.
There are many simple every day hazards around the home that you can check over to make sure they are safe for you to be around. We will advise how to ensure your risk is lowered at home. If required an occupational therapist can carry this review out with you and they will be able to make any necessary modifications or recommendations. In some cases a personal monitoring system is recommended if living on your own to ensure medical response in a timely manner in the event of a fall occurring at home. We can provide all of these services directly to you.
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