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Health Project Helps OAPs in Falls Recovery

Posted on: Wednesday, 10 August 2005, 15:00 CDT

THOUSANDS of older people in Glasgow have won back their independence, thanks to an innovative health project.

Each year 80,000 OAPs in the city over 65 suffer a fall which can cause permanent disability if bones are broken.

Someone who has fallen before is more at risk and in one year 83 people died after falls.

The fear of another accident can cause older people to worry so much they become reluctant to leave the house.

Now a dedicated team is helping them back to an active life by making their homes safer and helping them stay fit.

The scheme began in 2001 as a pilot project based at Stobhill Hospital.

Since then it has helped almost 2000 people and moved to Kinning Park as it prepares to go city-wide within the next year.

The team takes a threepronged approach to helping patients recover.

Firstly, an occupational therapist visits the patient to check their home for hazards like loose carpets and dangerous stairs.

Staff also check any medicines the person is taking, and offer exercise classes which strengthen limbs and bones.

Dieticians make sure patients get the nutrition to help prevent osteoporosis which makes bones vulnerable to fractures.

Ruby McNulty, 78, a great-grandmother from Springburn, became nervous after suffering three falls.

She said: "The exercises have really helped me find my balance again. I'm so much more confident."

The programme covers the catchment area for Stobhill's day hospital but will include other areas within 12 months. It can be reached at 0141 427 8311.

john. mccann@ eveningtimes. co. uk

Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

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