Falls or the fear of falling can significantly impact people’s ability to have active and meaningful lives, and have repercussions for family, friends, NHS, and Social Care systems.
All falls, even those which do not result in injury, can be distressing and cause anxiety to patients, as well as to relatives, carers and staff. Falls can affect patients’ physical function, confidence, independence and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to put measures in place to prevent falls where possible.
The falls strategy describes Wigan’s overarching approach to Falls prevention, management and bone health promotion and builds on the integrated model. The Strategy acknowledges the critical role that many organisations have to play in this area, reflecting the multifactorial causes of falls and the holistic approach that is necessary to reduce them. It therefore draws on evidence-based approaches and specialist knowledge and learning available within Wigan.