the WellBalanced Programme for health professionals
AHS Wellbeing have recently been appointed to manage additional Falls Prevention Classes on behalf of West Sussex Public Health.
The community-based programme will be targeted at people who have difficulty with walking or balance and have had up to one fall in the last year, but are not living with severe frailty or require specialist care.
The referral-based programme will consist of funded strength and balance classes delivered over 24 weeks throughout West Sussex, details of classes can be found here.
NICE compliant and based on the LLT/ProFane model, the programme is managed by AHS Wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Wellbalanced Classes?
Broadly, the classes are suitable for older residents with impaired gait or balance who may have had one fall in the last year but are not living with severe frailty and are able to get up independently. We assess all referrals, following NICE Guidance:
Typically patients:
- Have been referred by a health professional or falls service
- Feel unsteady on their feet
- Want to prevent a fall
- Can rise from a chair without help
Medical Exclusions
- Unstable angina or uncontrolled heart disease
- Tachycardia or uncontrolled arrhythmia
- Resting systolic BP>200mmHg or diastolic BP >110mmHg
- Severe Parkinson’s disease
- Severe breathlessness or dizziness
- Uncontrolled or poorly controlled epilepsy
- Uncontrolled or poorly controlled asthma / COPD
- Unmanaged pain
- Acute systemic illness (e.g. cancers)
- Severe Visual Impairment (under investigation)
- Any other uncontrolled condition
- Four or more medications not checked by GP >6mths
Functional Exclusions
- Functional limiting diseases: such as severe stroke
- Cognition: Dementia, Alzheimer’s or severe cognitive impairment (unable to follow simple instructions)
- Sit to Stand: Patient is unable to rise from a chair independently, without assistance and stand unaided
- Mobility: Patient is unable to mobilise independently.
- Patient is immobile or walks with an aid and the support of two Carers
If any of the above apply, your patient is NOT suitable for this programme at this time. It is advisable to refer your patient to another service.
How do I refer a Patient?
To refer a patient you can complete our online referral form here. Alternatively, please download and complete the following form. Once completed, please send the form securely to info@ahswellbeing.co.uk:
Please note: classes in Horsham and Bognor Regis are now full and referrals in this area will be placed on a waiting list.
What Happens Next?
Referrals are triaged for the most appropriate level of the programme. If the Wellbalanced programme is not suitable for the patient, they will be referred to the falls and fracture prevention service or other appropriate services. Please contact us for further information.
How often do the classes take place?
The classes are held once per week in each venue and, once referred, participants will be able to attend 1 class per week for 24 weeks.
Where and when do the classes take place?
Weekly classes are available in a range of locations throughout West Sussex, details can be found here.
How much does each session cost?
The programme is funded by West Sussex Public Health and the classes are free to attend.
What qualifications do class instructors hold?
Our classes are delivered by Postural Stability Instructors (PSI) supported by an assistant who has a minimum Otago training qualification. There are a minimum 2 instructors per class.
How is the programme evaluated?
Participants are assessed at week 1, 12 and 24 using the following methods;
- Timed Up and Go test
- 4-stagebalance test
- 30 second sit to stand test
- Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-1)
Results are evaluated in conjunction with West Sussex Public Health.
What happens at the end of the 24-week programme?
We encourage participants to keep exercising and will advise them of suitable follow on classes in their location.
Where can I find out more about Falls Prevention?
Here some links to useful resources:
Wellbalanced For Wellbeing You Tube Videos