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Medway Adult Social Care Guide
■ Older people Medway Council has developed a strategic plan with NHS Medway to support older people in Medway. Find out more at: www.medway.gov.uk
Falls A third of patients admitted to hospital for fractures caused by falls are aged 80 years or over. Research shows that up to a third of falls in older people can be prevented by simple precautions: • k eep physically active - it improves muscle strength and balance; • eat a varied and healthy diet; • keep hydrated; • r emove hazards from your home such as rugs that ruck up; • l ook after your feet and replace ill-fitting footwear; • have your eyes checked once a year. Medway Community Healthcare’s Falls Prevention Service offers assessments, advice, and support including specialised exercise sessions. If you have fallen or have a fear of falling which is affecting your life, talk to your GP or phone 01634 819000 and
ask for the Falls Prevention Service.
Support at home - Domiciliary Care Domiciliary Care, also known as Homecare can be considered if you need help with getting up and going to bed, dressing, preparing drinks and meals and maintaining basic hygiene standards. Homecare workers can also help in developing skills to live more independently. Homecare providers are registered with, and inspected by, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) A list of Homecare providers is provided on pages 48 and 49.
Community-based meals Community-based meals are what we used to call Meals on Wheels. This is a service that delivers hot or frozen meals to your home. For further information see page 35.