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Physiotherapists to inform islanders about Falls Prevention

21 September 2022

​Islanders are being given information this week on how to prevent falls by a dedicated team in Health and Community Services.

Physiotherapists in HCS who run a programme called Fit For Life, will be handing out information on Friday, 23 September from 9 am to 3 pm in Broad Street. It follows Falls Prevention Week, which took place earlier in September, which is a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable and to also encourage older adults to be falls free and independent.

Fit For Life, which includes an exercise group, is open to people who might be at risk from falls. It was launched to help prevent Islanders at risk of falls, frailty and deteriorating health from being admitted to hospital by preventing people from reaching crisis point by improving their strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. 

People can be referred to Fit for Life by self-referral, or their GP if: 
  • They have had a fall, or
  • Are frail, or 
  • They are at risk of falling and frailty

Patients can also access the service following their discharge from hospital to aid their recovery, or if they are living with a long-term neurological condition such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis.

Islanders referred to the programme are invited to two 60-minute group sessions per week for ten weeks at venues in either the east or the west of the Island. Currently, sessions are held at Le Squez Youth Project in St Clement and St Bernadette’s Church Hall in St Brelade.

There are three groups which are designed to cater for a range of physical capabilities so that everyone gets the most possible out of the group sessions. The group also provides an opportunity for Islanders to enjoy company.

Erin Gaskell, senior physiotherapist from the Fit For Life team said: “We currently have 60 Islanders attending weekly, who thoroughly enjoy the catch up with their new friends as well as getting a good exercise session in. Islanders have found a real benefit from the class, they are much more confident on their feet and are able to participate more in the community as well as the added benefit of the social interaction, which is what a lot of the participants look forward to the most.”

Falling is not a normal part of aging. Falls can be prevented by:
  • Doing the right exercises
  • Making your home safer
  • Getting regular health checkups 



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