Abstract
Introduction
Covid has had a devastating effect on the Elderly, resulting in deconditioning, increased falls and loneliness. Tailored exercises can reduce falls in people aged over 65 by 54% and participation in physical activity reduces the risk of hip fractures by 50%, currently costing the NHS £1.7 billion per year in England. This 8 week intervention delivered by trained volunteers in patient’s homes, aims to reduce deconditioning, loneliness and the risk, incidence and fear of falling (FOF) amongst frail patients post-discharge from hospital.
Method
A gap in service was identified in Frail patients discharged from hospital, at risk of falling and awaiting community physiotherapy. A steering group was set up including acute and community therapists, volunteers and carers to design a collaborative intervention to bridge the gap. At risk patients were identified and referred by ward therapists supported by the hospital volunteering team. Volunteers were trained to deliver an 8 weeks programme of progressive exercises in patients’ homes with additional signposting to appropriate statutory and voluntary services. Qualitative and quantitative outcome measures were taken at week 1 and week 8 of the intervention
Results
- 91.5% total health outcomes improved or maintained by average
- FOF reduced by 22.5%
- 180 degree turn improved by 43%
- 60 sec Sit to Stand improved by 14.75%
- Timed Up And Go improved by 15.5%
- Confidence to cope at home improved by 15%
- Pain / discomfort (self-reported) improved by 18.75%
- Overall health (self-reported) improved by 8.5%
Conclusion(s).
Targeted exercise at home with skilled volunteers can improve functional fitness and health outcomes in a frail elderly population at risk of falls when discharged home from hospital. The programme increases patients’ connectivity to local voluntary and community sector services. Volunteers’ mental health improves by engaging in meaningful service.
Comments
Hello. Thank you for sharing your fantastic project. We have done some similar work training volunteers in a community setting to improve older adults' physical activity opportunities within community social clubs (The ImPACt Study - we have a poster at this conference).
What was the training content and how long was the training for volunteers in your project? Did the volunteers need any extra support during the project? Or any kind of fidelity checks?
All the best for the roll out of your exercise programme. I will keep an eye out for any updates on your work.
Many thanks,
Sam