Free fall prevention assessments to reduce hospital admissions

Revival are completing home fall prevention assessments to make sure people in Stoke-on-Trent are safe in their homes.

The service has been running for 14 years and is funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. It forms part of our Home Support Service which is helping people over 55 or those leaving hospital to stay independent at home.

The partnership with the local council hopes to prevent hospital admissions caused by falls at home.

Operations Manager, Alison Lawson explains: “The Stoke-on-Trent home fall prevention assessment has been a lifeline to many during these last 14 years.

“Our trusted team visit customer’s homes, to complete risk assessment. Together with the customer, they then form a support plan to reduce any risks and keep people safe in their homes.

“The hope is we’ll stop any future hospital admissions caused by falls at home that could’ve been prevented.

“It’s a free service with customers just needing to pay for the cost of materials of any adaptations needed and is open to people over 50 living in Stoke-on-Trent.

Customer Ivy received a home assessment after a cancer diagnosis impacted her physical and mental health.  

Support Worker Sharon who helped Ivy explains: “When I first met Ivy she was having a hard time living alone. She was isolated, having difficulties with everyday tasks and was struggling to adjust to life after her cancer diagnosis.

“I completed a fall prevention assessment and put a plan in place to help her live independently at home.

“I supported Ivy for two weeks, firstly referring her to Revival’s befriending service. The service provides emotional support in person and over the phone to help people feel less alone at home. Ivy was matched with a volunteer and started to receive regular phone calls to help improve her wellbeing.

“I also made an application for an assisted bin collection because she was physically struggling to put them out. I got in touch with the Fire Service to make sure her home was fire safe too.

“Ivy was so pleased with the support provided, she couldn’t get over how much we’d accomplished in such a short amount of time. She told me she’s so much happier at home and her weekly calls with her befriender keep her connected to the world and give her something to look forward to.”