For someone that’s used to having their independence, being cared for while you recover can have a real impact on your confidence and feeling of independence.
Southern Health staff at Chase hospital have been running classes to help people develop their strength and balance, and to learn how to avoid another fall in the future.
The classes are comprehensive and deal with all the things that can help prevent you falling in the future and build your strength and confidence.
They run for 12 weeks and you can either refer yourself, or you might be offered them by your family doctor or consultant.
Sarah Charlton is an Occupational Therapist who along with staff at Chase set up the classes. She says: “The fear of falling after something has happened or you’ve had a scare is the most dramatic thing for many people.
“We work to help you regain your confidence for a start, but also help you develop your balance and the strength in your muscles through simple exercise. It’s also important to look at things around your home like trailing wires or rugs and things that can make you trip up.”
As well as the exercises in class people can talk to specialist nurses and occupational therapists about taking care of your feet, mobility help and things like medication. There’s also a social aspect to the meetings too, people get to sit down have a cup of tea talk to each other and share their ideas and experiences.
If you want to know more about the classes or know someone who might benefit from them then you can go to your family doctor (GP) or get in touch direct with Sarah Charlton or Caroline Sly at 01420 483817. The number for the hospital switchboard is 01420 488801
Press release 11 July 2012
