Clare Brac
ks has a background as an Occupational Therapist and is currently the Falls Practitioner in Midlothian Enhanced Rapid Response Intervention Team.
Her research aims to investigate service userโs experience of a fall. The study will investigate the impact of a rapid response team at the time of a falls pick up and follow up care. Furthermore, the study will seek to identify any gaps in service and the actions required to provide a gold standard falls provision.
A fall can entail many damaging effects, including physical injuries, loss of confidence and increased anxiety. This, in turn, directly increases the risk of further falls and deterioration in both physical and mental health. A ‘long lie’ following a fall – remaining on the ground or floor for one hour or more – is associated with serious complications for an older person. There is a direct correlation between increase in age and frequency of falls. Within Scotland, it is projected that the number of people over 75 years of age will increase by 25% in the next 10 years. This population will be the highest users of health and social care services within Scotland.
E-mail: clare.bracks@midlothian.gov.uk