Helping older people remain independent for longer

Havering Council and North East London NHS Foundation Trust have launched new services to help residents most at risk of falling and injuring themselves.
​Figures from Age UK show that every five hours an older person is killed by an accidental fall in the home.
Last year in Havering 1,733 people over 65 were admitted to hospital because of a fall.
A new Community Falls Exercise Programme and a Falls Prevention Outreach Service aim to prevent falls, reduce the number hospital admissions and help older people to live more independent lives in their own homes.
The new services are provided by qualified NHS physiotherapists and occupational therapists from the Falls Prevention team at St George’s Hospital, Hornchurch.

Working with a range of partners Havering Council aims to help elderly residents live independently with a number of services including Falls Prevention, Meals on Wheels, a Telecare Community Alarm and a Reablement Service - helping people leave hospital and learn skills to build up confidence and re-gain their independence.
The new Community Falls Exercise Programme includes Falls Management Exercise (FAME) and Tai-Chi for balance. FAME exercise is proven to improve mobility, bone density, cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of further falls. The Programme is by referral from a GP, the NHS or Havering Council and classes - held at locations across the borough - will be open to all residents at risk of a fall including those not registered with a doctor.
The new outreach service helps residents in care and nursing homes and users of the telecare alarm system by providing help and access to services based on individual needs.
Havering has the largest number of people over 65 in London. The Council offers a number of services to help people to remain living at home, achieve independence and prevent hospital admissions.