Falls Prevention Classes. These classes are designed to improve balance & reduce the risk of falls

Description

This initiative was a collaboration between the Physical Activity for Health Officer, Longford Libraries, Age Friendly. Longford and SláinteCare, HSE Longford. There were massive waiting lists for Falls Prevention Classes for people at high risk of falls. There was also a 25% increase in hospital admissions from the older person due to falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury and fatal injury among older adults. A high risk of falling or falls is one of the main reasons that people are placed in Nursing homes. Having a good falls prevention programs in place, save lives, save money and help older adults stay independent.

These step-down falls prevention classes are target the low to medium risk people so they can improve their balance, increase their exercise and ensure that they can live independently in their own homes for longer.

The classes were as follows:
Tai Chi for Falls Prevention
Step Class for Chronic Conditions
Pilates for Chronic Conditions
Health and Wellbeing Programme for Cardiovascular Disease

The classes were held in 4 libraries – Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Longford and the EDI Centre in Longford starting in January 2024.
So there was a falls prevention class from Monday to Friday.

Monday in Longford Library
Tuesday in Granard Library
Wednesday in Edgeworthstown Library
Thursday in EDI Centre in Longford
Friday in Ballymahon Library

The classes run for 8 weeks. After each class there is a cup of tea and a chance to catch up with the other members of the group. The cuppa is essential for the success of these classes because the benefits of social interaction is well documented and has the following benefits:

Helps to maintain both good emotional and physical health
Can help prevent depression
Enhances their emotional health
Fosters a sense of belonging and community
Offers the older person a platform to share experiences, express their feelings and form meaningful connections
Maintain their cognitive function
Can help to prevent dementia

There was also another exercise after the Falls prevention classes so a number of people start on for the second class.

Each participants all filled in a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire which was reviewed by the Physical Activity for Health Officer before determining the participants for each class.

The ideal number per class was 10. After the first week, all the classes were full and their was a waiting list. The community group in Lanesborough requested the classes in their local library. So since March/ April, there is five Falls prevention classes sessions in the libraries and one in EDI centre in Longford. So now there is 6 sessions of Falls prevention classes in Longford county each week.
Monday in Longford Library
Tuesday in Granard Library
Wednesday in Edgeworthstown Library
Thursday in EDI Centre in Longford and in Lanesborough Library
Friday in Ballymahon Library
The numbers in the classes have now increased to 20 people and there is waiting lists for all the sessions.

Older people can now book their places via an online link in the libraries.

Aim of Initiative

To reduce the number of older people been admitted to hospital due to falls
Reduce injury and fatal injury to older people
Maintain their strength and flexibility
Allow older people to live independently in their own home
Help to maintain good emotional and physical health
Help prevent depression
Help older people to connect with members of their community
Help prevent dementia

Who is it aimed at

Older adults
People who want to improve their balance and physical well being

3 Steps critical to success

1. Fill in the physical activity readiness questionnaire (for participants)
   Secure the locations for the classes (organisers)
   Promote the classes via the OPC and via social media (organisers)
2. Questionnaire reviewed by the Physical Activity for Health Officer for participants)
   Purchase the equipment for the classes (organisers)
3. Assign participant to their classes (participants)
   Recruit and Assign instructors for each class (organisers)
   Ensure that the venue is clean and that the refreshments are available for the participants (organisers)

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Getting the right instructor for each group. Different levels of fitness in each group. It was important to get the balance
2. Managing the waiting lists and ensuring that as many people as possible attended the classes
3. It was only intended to host 3 sets of 8 classes in 5 venues and due to demand, there will be 5 sets of 8 classes in 6 venues. So finding the funding to cover the extra demand was a challenge – a good challenge to have

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Good uptake of the classes from the start –
2. Promote of other service for older people provided by Longford County Council including the Older Person Council, Health Homes, Community Safety Ambassadors, Longford handy helps, Acorn Training, Library services, Sport partnership and much more
3. Creating a healthier and more flexible community.