Orthogeriatrics - bone health and falls prevention
Orthogeriatrics is the care of older orthopaedic patients, with two of the main subspecialties being bone health and falls prevention. Orthogeriatricians improve outcomes for patients by caring for them alongside orthopaedic surgeons and with the support of a specialist multidisciplinary team.
Falls are a common but often overlooked, cause of injury. Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more vulnerable and likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition.
Our bone health team help older adults who have recently broken or fractured a bone, or help manage conditions related to bone health such as osteoporosis.
Falls prevention
Falls and accidents are more common as people get older and many older people experience them each year. Remember that making small changes may help you to avoid a fall and keep safe and independent. Always tell your GP or other health professionals if you have a fall – they may be able to help you reduce your risk of having another fall.
There are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home and doing exercises to improve your strength and balance.
If you have fallen in the past, making changes to reduce your chances of having a fall can also help you overcome any fear of falling. All healthcare professionals take falls in older people very seriously because of the significant impact they can have on a person's health.
You are more at risk of a fall if you:
• have fallen before
• have a fear of falling
• take 4 or more medicines
• have a problem with your balance
• have difficulty getting up from a dining chair without using your arms
Sometimes a fall can affect your confidence and make you afraid of falling again. You can reduce the risk of falls, accidents and injuries by:
- Taking time to look through this factsheet which offers information to keep you safe and well
- Considering the safety suggestions
Help and advice on prevention are available from your GP, community nurse or therapist.
- Steady On Your Feet
- Care Direct - 0845 1551 007
- NHS Choices
- Independent Living Centre - 01392 380181
Northern services
We run falls clinics once a month in Bideford Community Hospital. The clinic is made up of nurses, physiotherapists and assistant practitioners.
Eastern services
Our Community Rehabilitation Team work with people who require rehabilitation at home. Find out more
Contact us
North
North Devon District Hospital
Main switchboard on 01271 322577
Fortescue Ward - 01271 322330 ndht.fortescueward@nhs.net
East
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Contact Ashburn Ward on 01392 404530
Contact Bolham Ward on 01392 402777
Contact Bovey Ward on 01392 402560
Contact Kenn Ward on 01392 402553
Contact Torridge Ward on 01392 402760
Contact Clyst Ward on 01392 402507
Contact Yealm Ward 01392 404535
Contact Durbin Ward on 01392 406358
Contact Wynard Ward on 01392 403317
Where to find us
Northern Services
North Devon District Hospital
North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4JB
Fortescue Ward, Level 4
Eastern services
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Healthcare for Older People Wards
Ashburn Ward (Level 2, Area E)
Bolham Ward (Level 1, Area A)
Bovey Ward (Level 2, Area R)
Kenn Ward (Level 2, Area R)
Torridge Ward (Level 1, Area B)
Acute Stroke Unit
Clyst Ward (Level 2, Area E)
Stroke Rehabilitation
Yealm Ward (Level 2, Area E)
Orthogeriatrics
Durbin Ward (Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Level 1, Area L)
Acute Care of Elderly/Frailty Unit
Wynard Ward (Centre for Women’s Health, Level 1)
Outpatient clinics are held in Exeter, however, we also have clinics in Exmouth, Axminster, Okehampton, Sidmouth, Cullompton, Honiton and Ottery St Mary.