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»Contact details
  
Note:
This page is currently under development and does not include all Falls
Clinics in Victoria.
| Angliss Hospital Falls and Balance Clinic |
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| Austin Health Falls and Balance Service |
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| Ballarat Health Services Gait and Balance Clinic |
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| Barwon Health Falls and Mobility Clinic |
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| Bendigo Healthcare Group Falls and Mobility Clinic |
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| Bundoora Extended Care Centre Falls and Balance Service |
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| Caulfield Falls and Balance Clinic |
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| Cedar Court Rehabilitation Hospital |
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| Goulburn Valley Health Falls and Mobility Clinic |
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| Latrobe Regional Hospital Falls and Mobility Clinic |
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| Maroondah Hospital Falls and Balance Clinic |
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| Parkdale Community Rehabilitation Centre |
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| Peninsula Health Falls Prevention Service |
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| Peter James Centre Falls and Balance Clinic |
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| Port Phillip Community Rehabilitation |
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| Royal Melbourne Hospital Royal Park Campus Falls and Balance Clinic |
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| St. George's Hospital Falls and Balance Clinic |
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| Sunbury Community Health Centre Falls and Mobility Assessment & Intervention Program |
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| Sunshine Hospital Falls and Mobility Clinic |
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Angliss Hospital Falls and Balance Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 9764 6229
Fax Number: (03) 9764 6300Street
Address:
20 Albert Street
Upper Ferntree Gully 3158
Referrals received from:
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General Practitioners
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Allied Health
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Community Health Services
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Aged Care Assessment Services
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Hospitals (acute and Emergency departments)
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Private Physiotherapists
Operation Times:
Tuesdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. (+ Induvidual treatments from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm for FBC patients)
Description of service:
-
Generally we see 4 patients. In that time we do
2 assessments and 2 reviews. The Physiotherapy assessment lasts 1½
hours where balance, strength, range of movement, vertigo, eyesight
and gait gets assessed and an appropriate home exercise program based
on the assessment is given. The Geriatrician sees the patient for 1
hour. The Occupational Therapist sees the client at home. There are
2 hours allocated for this.
-
Home visits occur from the OT only, but after the
initial Falls and Balance Clinic visit many clients gets referred to
various disciplines, amongst others, rehabilitation in the home where
home visits would occur.
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Follow ups or review are done at 6 weeks and at
6 months. Clients get a written notification.
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A written letter with the results of the Falls and
Balance Clinic assessment is sent to the clients GP.
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Austin Health Falls and Balance Service
Phone Number: (03) 9496 2834
Fax Number: (03) 9496 4337
Postal Address:
Falls and Balance Service
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health
300 Waterdale Rd
PO Box 5444,
Heidelberg West 3081
Referrals received from:
Referrals are accepted from anyone (including self referrals from clients/carers). A letter from the client's General Practitioner is preferred, but not essential.
Team consists of:
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Geriatrician
-
Physiotherapist
-
Occupational Therapist
Operation Times:
Wednesdays 1.30pm - 4.00pm and Fridays 9.00am - 12.30pm.
Description of Service:
The Austin Health Falls and Balance Clinic is an assessment clinic which aims to identify the risk factors that cause falls & makes recommendations to help prevent future falls and injury.
The clinic includes assessments by a Specialist Geriatrician, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. The initial assessment is completed in one session up to 2.5 hours. At the completion of the assessment, a case discussion is held where individualised risk factors and recommendations are identified for each client. A home assessment maybe completed by the Occupational Therapist if indicated.
A letter summarising the risk factors and recommendations from the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist is sent to the client. A medical summary from the Geriatrician is sent to the GP. Following an assessment, clients may be referred onto other appropriate health services for such as rehabilitation (e.g.: CRC), Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry etc.
The client is contacted by a team member six weeks following the initial assessment to discuss the recommendations of the clinic. Clients are reviewed 4 months after the initial assessment in a 1.5 hour session by the Geriatrician, Physiotherapist and Occupational therapist. Outcomes of the four month review are forwarded to the General Practitioner and Client.
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Ballarat Health Services Gait and Balance Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 5320 3795
Fax Number: (03) 5320 3737
Postal Address:
Clinical Services
Queen Elizabeth Centre
PO Box 199
Ballarat 3350
Street Address:
102 Ascot St
Ballarat 3350
Referrals received from:
Anyone can refer from within the DHS Grampians region
Team consists of:
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Geriatrician
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Physiotherapist
-
Nurse
Operation Times:
Thursday morning
Description of service:
The initial assessment lasts for about 2 hours, and involves all disciplines.
After the assessment, the team meet to develop an intervention plan. The
client's GP is sent a letter outlining the assessment findings, as well
as the intervention plan. This may include suggestions for further investigations
or medication changes. The client is contacted via phone to discuss the
assessment and referrals to appropriate agencies/therapy services. Written
referrals are then sent to these agreed agencies/services. Time to follow-up
at the Gait and Balance Clinic depends on the planned intervention, and
can vary from a few weeks to a few months. Some clients will have a number
of reviews. Clients are given written notification of all appointments.
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Barwon Health Falls and Mobility Clinic
Phone Contact Number: (03) 5279 2294
Fax Number: (03) 5279 2461
Email: fallsc@barwonhealth.org.au
Postal Address:
45-95 Ballarat Road
North Geelong
VIC 3215
Referrals received from:
Team consists of:
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Medical
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Physiotherapy
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Occupational Therapy
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Nursing
Operation Times:
Tuesday and Thursday Mornings
Description of service:
What is a Falls and Mobility Clinic?
The Falls and Mobility Clinic is a service available through Barwon Health
Rehabilitation and Aged Care Program at Grace McKellar Centre. It provides
individual assessment for residents in the Barwon and South West Region
at risk of falling, or whose mobility is deteriorating. Its aim is to
prevent falls and injury, and to improve and maintain mobility for these
clients.
Who does the assessment?
Falls among older people are due to many factors and therefore assessment
and management is most likely to be effective when involving a multi disciplinary
team. The clinic is staffed by a team of professionals with expertise
and experience in the management of balance dysfunction and falls. The
Clinic team consists of a Geriatrician, Physiotherapists, an Occupational
Therapist, a Registered Nurse and a clerical assistant.
What does the Clinic involve?
The Clinic works like most outpatient facilities. The initial assessment
takes place at the Clinic, and generally takes approximately two and a
half hours.
The assessment includes:
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a general medical assessment
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a nursing review, including a social history
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a physical assessment, including tests of balance,
muscle strength and coordination, including a computer-controlled force
platform evaluation
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an assessment in your home by an occupational therapist
An individual management plan will be developed and
progress will be reviewed by appointment at six weeks and six months.
Details of our findings and management plan are communicated to the GP
after the initial assessment and at the six month review.
How is the Clinic accessed?
Referrals are accepted from any healthcare worker who identifies a client
as being at risk of falling.
A letter from the General Practitioner (GP) is required prior to assessment.
Referrals should be sent to the Co-ordinator, Falls and Mobility Clinic.
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Bendigo Healthcare Group Falls and Mobility Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 5454 8500
Fax Number: (03) 5454 9113
Postal Address:
PO Box 126
Bendigo 3552
Street Address:
100 Barnard Street
Bendigo
Referrals received from:
All patients must reside within the Loddon Mallee Region. Referrals will
be accepted from:
Team consists of:
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Geriatrician
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Registrar in Rehabilitation Medicine
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Nurse
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Physiotherapist
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Occupational Therapist
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Exercise Therapist
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Access to Psychologist, Podiatrist, Dietician and
Social Worker as deemed appropriate
Operation Times:
Monday-Friday, hours flexible.
Description of service:
The John Lindell Rehabilitation Unit Falls and Mobility
Clinic provides specialist multi-disciplinary services, which focus on
the assessment and management of clients with falls, mobility, balance,
and vestibular disorders. The aim of the clinic is to maintain the clients
independence within a community based setting.
The service offers an initial phone screening by the
nurse to determine suitability to attend the falls clinic. The patient
will then typically see the geriatrician (60 minutes), occupational therapist
(30 minutes), and physiotherapist (60 minutes) over a 1-2 week period.
If the patient is from an outlying rural location, these appointments
are coordinated for the same day where possible. A home visit is conducted
on a needs basis as determined by the occupational therapist.
After assessment, if deemed appropriate patients are able to access services
including gym, tai chi, hydrotherapy, and balance and strengthening groups.
Typically these programs run for around 8 weeks, at which time the patient
is reviewed by the physiotherapist. Individual one on one follow up is
limited and usually restricted to patients with vestibular disorders.
Once the assessment process has been completed, a copy
of the assessment summary, treatment plan, and goals is sent to the referring
source. A discharge letter is also sent at the completion of the rehabilitation
program, outlining gains made and any discharge plan to be implemented.
Time to follow up and discharge can vary from a few
weeks to a few months, depending on the discipline involved and the problems
being addressed. Appointment times are arranged in consultation with the
patient.
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Bundoora Extended Care Centre Falls and Balance
Service
Phone Number: Referrals to Intake Worker,
(03) 9495 3100, Other enquires to Karen Beaumont (Admin Assistant) or
Lou Elzinga (Manager) on (03) 9495 3272
Fax Number: (03) 9495 3290
Postal Address:
Specialist Services Administration Assistant
1231 Plenty Rd, Bundoora, 3083
Street Address:
1231 Plenty Rd, Bundoora, 3083
Referrals received from:
Clients must live in the shire of Darebin (northern), Whittlesea, Nillumbik
& Banyule. Referrals for eligible clients are accepted either from
the client or health professionals. To be eligible, clients must have
had two or more falls in the last 12 months or sustained a fall-related
injury requiring medical attention or have developed a f fear of falling
such that it interferes with their usual activities.
Team consists of:
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Medical
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Nursing
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Physiotherapy
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Podiatry
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Clinical Psychology
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Occupational Therapy
Operation Times:
Thursday morning
Description of service:
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The initial assessment iscompleted over two sessions,
each of which are about one and a half to two hours long.
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The occupational therapist or the clinical psychologist
can perform home visits if required.
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A letter detailing results of the medical assessment
is sent to the GP and other referral source if appropriate (eg ACAS,
specialist). At the completion of the two stage assessment, a multi-disciplinary
team meeting is held where the risk factor profile and a list of recommendations
for each client is established. A letter summarising the risks and recommendations
is subsequently sent to the client, GP and other referral source.
- Clients are reviewed at the clinic eight weeks and
six months after the initial assessment.
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Caulfield Falls and Balance Clinic
Phone/ Fax Number:
Referrals are made through the Caulfield Access Unit:
Telephone: 9076 6776
Fax: 9076 6773
Referrals are accepted from: General practitioners, Medical / Nursing or Allied health Professionals. Self-referrals are not accepted.
Postal Address:
Falls and Balance Clinic
Ashley Ricketson Centre
260 Kooyong Road
Caulfield, 3162
Falls Clinic Coordinator available for enquiries Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm
Ph: 03 9076 6119
Clinic runs once weekly on a Wednesday
Description of service:
The Falls Clinic is a specialist assessment clinic for adults living in the community who have or are at risk of falls, where the cause is unknown and needs specialist assessment.
The Clinic is staffed by:
Information in the referral will guide which discipline is required for assessment. Assessments are usually multi-disciplinary and can take between 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours depending on how many disciplines are involved.
The purpose of the assessment is to:
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Identify the contributing factors for falls
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Identify any risk factors that may contribute to balance or mobility problems.
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Make recommendations made based on the identified risk factors to reduce falls.
Following assessment the Falls Clinic Coordinator will make referrals to other services as required eg./ Community Rehabilitation Centre , Continence Clinic or a Community Health group for further management of the client.
Clients will receive a detailed letter outlining their falls risk factors with specific recommendations to address these risks. Clients GP will also receive a copy of this letter in addition to a medical letter from the assessing Doctor.
Reviews with medical staff can be arranged on a needs basis.
There are no fees charged for this service.
Transport:
Clients are expected to organise their own transport. Should a taxi be required, a booking can be made at clients expense.
Catchment Areas: Local Government Areas of Glen Eira, Stonnington, Port Phillip, Bayside (north of South Road).
GENERAL EXCLUSIONS:
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People requiring only a home safety assessment or gait aid assessment
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People with a recent/current history of drug and alcohol abuse
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People living in nursing homes.
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People with recent neurological deficits causing falls and balance problems.
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People with cognitive (e.g. dementia) or psychiatric conditions rendering them unable to participate in assessment process, or benefit from the provision of recommendations.
People who have already had recent investigations of their falls and balance problems, or who have attended a Falls Clinic in the past year or who have had falls-specific rehabilitation in the past year (generally not appropriate for multidisciplinary assessment).
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Cedar Court Rehabilitation Hospital
Phone number: (03) 9805 4153
Fax number: (03) 9889 6756
Postal address:
888 Toorak Road
Camberwell 3124
Referrals received from:
General Practitioner or Medical Specialist
Team consists of:
Operation times:
Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00am-12.30pm
Description of service:
After a referral from a GP is received the prospective client is assessed
by our Rehabilitation Specialist to ensure the client will benefit from
the programme.
Once accepted the occupational therapist and physiotherapist
will assess the client.
This takes about 1½ hours and includes a mini-mental,
movement analysis, balance, strength, range of movement, sensation, independence
levels, the home and community environment and confidence levels.
The programme consists of two, two and a half hour sessions
a week (including morning tea!) for four to six weeks. At each session
clients participate in a strength and stretch exercise group (about 45
min), followed by an education session given by the OT, dietician or psychologist
(45min), then a balance exercise session (45min) tailored to the individual.
Outdoor mobility is also covered as is what to do after a fall. Participants
are taught an home exercise programme and are offered a home visit and/or
individual psychology sessions on an as needs basis.
The client is reviewed by the rehabilitation specialist
halfway through the programme and a team meeting held. At discharge the
client is reviewed by the specialist again and a letter sent to the referring
GP by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist detailing outcome
measures and the clients self appraisal of goal achievement. At the last
session the client is given a certificate of participation and a review
appointment for three months time by the physiotherapist.
NOTE: Cedar Court Rehabilitation Hospital is a private
hospital. Costs are associated with the program, which may be covered
by private health insurance.
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Goulburn Valley Health Falls and Mobility Clinic
Phone Contact Number: (03) 5832 3100
Fax Number: (03) 5832 2284
Coordinator: Vivienne Jeffery (Podiatrist)
Postal Address:
C/- Integrated Care Services, GV Health, Graham Street, Shepparton, Vic 3630
Street Address:
Graham Street
Shepparton 3630
Referrals received from:
Referrals are accepted from anyone (including self referrals from clients/carers)
within Goulburn Valley. A letter from the client's General Practitioner
is preferred, but not essential.
Team consists of:
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Occupational Therapist
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Physiotherapist
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Nurse
-
Geriatrician
Operation Times:
Monday afternoons between 1 - 5.00pm, which includes one new assessment,
one 6-week review, one 6-month review and a team meeting.
Description of service:
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An initial assessment is completed over a three
hour period. This involves a 90 minute assessment with the Physiotherapist,
a 50 minute consult with the Geriatrician and a 40 minute assessment
with a registered nurse.
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A home assessment is routinely completed by the
Occupational Therapist, unless otherwise indicated.
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Following the initial assessment a team meeting
is held where assessment findings and recommendations are discussed.
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A letter detailing the findings and recommendations
from the assessment is sent to the client, General Practitioner and
referral source.
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The client is contacted by a team member within
a week following the initial assessment to discuss the outcome of the
clinic.
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Clients are reviewed six weeks and again six months
following the initial assessment.
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Outcomes of the six month review are forwarded to
the General Practitioner and referral source.
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The clinic does not routinely provide interventions,
with the exception of:
|
1. Direct referral
(bypassing, but informing the G.P.) for medical investigations, i.e.
halter monitors, MRI, etc. |
|
2. Physiotherapy
management of Vestibular disorders or other specialist problems |
|
3. Funding
application for aids and equipment by the Occupational Therapist |
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Latrobe Regional Hospital Falls and Mobility Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 5173 8383
Fax Number: (03) 5173 8386
Postal Address:
C/-0 Allied Health Department
Latrobe Regional Hospital
PO Box 424
Traralgon 3844
Street Address:
Latrobe Regional Hospital
Princes Hwy
Traralgon West
Referrals received from:
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Referrals from entire Gippsland area
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Referrals can be accepted from any source (such
as family/carer, self, council and DNS).
However, preference is for involvement of the GP in
the referral process and is in fact sought by the clinic if lacking.
Team consists of:
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Geriatrician
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Occupational Therapist
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Physiotherapist
-
Nurse
Operation Times:
Mondays 1.00pm - 5.00pm
Description of service:
-
The primary purpose of the Latrobe Regional Hospital
Falls and Mobility Clinic is to assess clients and determine management
plans to prevent falls. The clinic does not provide ongoing treatment
or therapy however does make recommendations and/or referrals, where
appropriate, in relation to the client's ongoing needs.
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Assessment, in the majority of cases, occurs over
one clinic session. This involves a comprehensive multidisciplinary
assessment, lasting approximately 3 hours. The client can expect a balance
of discussion/interview-based contact and 'hands-on' assessment.
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Occupational Therapy home assessments occur if the
need is identified by the team and/or client/carer.
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A review is conducted at either 6 weeks or 6 months
following initial assessment. Contact is made with the client prior
to that time elapsing. The nature of the review, in addition to the
number of reviews, is dependent upon individual needs.
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The GP receives comprehensive reports following
initial assessment and review/s. Their involvement in ongoing care is
strongly encouraged.
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Clinic staff are available to provide information
sessions, regarding the clinic, its functions and issues regarding falls,
balance and mobility, upon request.
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Maroondah Hospital Falls and Balance Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 9871 3511
Fax Number: (03) 9871 3512
Postal Address:
PO Box 135
East Ringwood 3135
Street Address:
Davey Dve
East Ringwood 3135
Referrals received from:
Team consists of:
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Geriatrician
-
Physiotherapist
Operation Times:
Wednesday 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Description of service:
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The target group for the clinic is older people
at the earlier stages of gait or balance problems or where the cause
of falls is uncertain.
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There is no charge for patients to attend the clinic
although they will need to provide their own transport.
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Initial assessment involves a one hour session with
the geriatrician and a one hour session with the physiotherapist
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After the initial assessment the client is sent
a letter outlining the recommendations as discussed and the next visit.
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The client's GP is also sent letters post initial
and review appointments.
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Follow-up assessments are conducted 6 weeks and
6 months after the initial assessment and involve a half-hour session
with the geriatrician and a half-hour with the physiotherapist.
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A home visit by an occupational therapist will be
arranged as necessary.
-
A management plan can include referral to ongoing
medical specialities, exercise prescription, provision of information
brochures and referral to community groups such as Croydon Home for
Rehabilitation, Community Health Centres, and Day Centres.
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Parkdale Community Rehabilitation Centre
Phone Number: (03) 8587 0171
Fax Number: (03) 8587 0179
Postal Address:
335 Nepean Highway
Parkdale 3195
Referrals received from:
GP; health professional; hospitals (acute & sub-acute); medical specialists
and health agencies
Catchment areas:
Parkdale, Mentone, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Hampton, Beaumaris, Black Rock,
Highett, Sandringham and part of Moorabbin (south of South Rd)
Team consists of:
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Physiotherapist
-
Occupational Therapist
-
Rehabilitation Physician
-
Dietitian
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Nurse
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Speech Therapist
-
Social Worker
-
Podiatry
Operation Times:
8.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday
Closed Public Holidays
Description of service:
-
An initial assessment will be conducted by a Physiotherapist
and Occupational Therapist. Other needs that arise will be referred
onto Rehab Physician, Podiatry and other disciplines as necessary.
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Aim to address falls, balance and mobility issues
and provide tailored interventions accordingly.
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A tailored balance work program used to go for 6-8
weeks.
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Home assessment will be carried out by an Occupational
Therapist depending on the outcomes of the initial assessment.
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Client will be sent a follow up letter 6 weeks after
discharged to advise client to contact the centre if they are experiencing
any problems.
-
GP letter will normally be sent out right after
the initial assessment.
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Peninsula Health Falls Prevention Service
Phone Number: (03) 9788 1260
Fax Number: (03) 9788 1212
Postal Address:
Mt Eliza Centre
Jacksons Road
Mt Eliza 3930
Referrals received from:
Referrals are accepted from Medical Practitioners, other Health Professionals,
Public or Private Hospitals, Community Service providers, clients and
carers.
Clients can reside in the community or low level residential care (Hostel).
Peninsula Health catchment area:
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Part of Kingston City Council (Aspendale - Carrum),
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Frankston City Council,
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Mornington Peninsula Shire and
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Part of Casey (Pearcedale, Devon Meadows, Clyde,
Cranbourne, Hampton Park, Blind Bight, Tooradin, Cannons Creek).
Team consists of:
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Full time Manager (Occupational Therapist)
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Physiotherapist x 2 (Part time)
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Occupational Therapist (Part time)
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Geriatrician (Falls Clinic only)
-
Dietician (Falls Clinic only)
Operation Times:
The Falls Specialist Service operates weekdays between the hours of 8.30am
and 4.30pm.
A falls Clinic is held on the first and third Thursday
of each month from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. The Falls Clinic is held at Frankston
CRC in Golflinks Road, Frankston.
Description of service:
The Falls Specialist Service conducts all initial assessments in the client's
home. This generic assessment may be conducted by a Physiotherapist or
Occupational Therapist. Clients who require further multi-disciplinary
assessment are referred to the Falls Clinic at Frankston CRC. Following
initial assessment written feedback is provided to the client and GP.
Further written feedback is provided to the GP following attendance at
the Falls Clinic.
Follow up treatment is provided by Community clinicians
e.g. Domiciliary Care Team or CRC upon referral from the Falls Specialist
clinician.
Six month face to face reviews are conducted in the
client's home. The GP is provided with a written summary when the client
is discharged from the Falls Specialist Service.
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Peter James Centre Falls and Balance Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 9881 1844
Fax Number: (03) 9881 2439
Postal Address:
C/- Community Rehabilitation Centre
Peter James Centre
Locked Bag 1
PO Forest Hill 3131
Street Address:
Mahoneys Road
Burwood East
Referrals received from:
Catchment area includes residents of Citys of Whitehorse, Manningaham
and Monash (North of Freeway).
Team consists of :
Operation Times:
Medical assessments are undertaken on Mondays, Thuesdays and Thursdays.
Description of service:
Medical assessment conducted at Peter James Centre. GP requested to provide
current blood tests and any further diagnosed information that might be
relevant. Assessment takes approximately 1 ½ hours. Follow up medical
assessment undertaken 4-6 months later. Therapy treatment provided by
CRC/RITH a 'Balance' group in the community (whatever level appropriate).
Home visit arranged through the Occupational Therapy department. Average
treatment program 6-8 weeks. Patients contacted by phone/letter with appointments.
GP receives a medical letter from geriatrician. Discharge summaries sent
following completion of treatment program.
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Port Phillip Community Rehabilitation
Phone Number: (03) 9690 9144
Fax Number: (03) 9696 7228
Postal Address:
The Port Phillip Community Rehabilitation Centre is co-located with the
Inner South Community Health Service in South Melbourne:
341 Coventry Street
South Melbourne 3205
Referrals received from:
Community, GPs, Case Managers, Hospitals, Family, Carers or self
Need to be accompanied by a Service Coordination Tool and medical information
Catchment area
City of Port Phillip and Prahran
Team consists of:
-
Physiotherapists
-
Speech Pathologist
-
Social Worker
-
Occupational Therapists
-
Community Nurse
-
Allied Health Assistant
Operation Times:
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Description of service:
The program offers community based rehabilitation to people who have suffered
a recent illness or accident that has resulted in reduced mobility. The
program is predominantly centre based with clients attending at least
twice a week. Home visits are performed as part of the Occupational Therapy
and nursing assessments and as required throughout the client's rehabilitation.
A team member contacts the client and organises an initial
team or individual assessment. Goals are set with the client and a multidisciplinary
program is designed and implemented. A discharge plan is made.
The Falls Prevention Program offers comprehensive assessment
and rehabilitation for people who fall or are at risk of falling.
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Royal Melbourne Hospital Royal Park Campus Falls
and Balance Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 83872194
Fax Number: (03) 8387 2298
Postal Address: Falls and Balance Clinic,
Royal Melbourne Hospital Royal Park Campus, PO Box 7000, Carlton South,
Vic 3053
Street Address: Clinical Services Building,
Royal Melbourne Hospital Royal Park Campus, Poplar Rd., Parkville, Vic
3052
Target group:
Older people at high risk of falls or falls related injury who continue
to be at high risk following initial falls prevention actions at the local
level (eg general practitioner, allied health professional). Also for
clients where a clear cause of falls / falls risk has not been able to
be identified.
Referrals received from:
Referrals can be received from any health practitioner, although clients
are asked to receive a letter from their general practitioner outlining
relevant medical history / investigations / medications etc prior to attendance
at the Clinic.
Team consists of:
-
Geriatricians
-
Physiotherapists
-
Occupational Therapist
-
Nurse
-
Podiatrist
-
Clinical Psychologist
-
Administrative support
Operation Times:
Wednesdays 12.30 to 4.30
Description of service:
When the referral is received, an appointment is provided. The initial
assessment is divided over two sessions, one week apart. In the first
session, the client will undergo the geriatrican assessment, the nurse
assessment, and if indicated, also see the podiatrist and the clinical
psychologist. On the second week the assessment is completed, with the
physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessment. A team meeting at this
time identifies the main risk factors, and develops a personalised intervention
program, with some elements being implemented by the Clinic, and some
requiring referral to community agencies. Home assessments are then undertaken
if indicated by the Clinic assessment. The assessment on each day is fairly
length, and may take approximately 2 hours on each occasion.
Review appointments are routinely provided 6 weeks later,
and then 6 months later, where the overall impact of the individualised
program is evaluated.
Following each assessment point, a letter is sent to
the referrer and the general practitioner (if they were not the referrer)
outlining the main assessment findings and recommendations. In addition,
a brief plain language summary of the recommended actions is also forwarded
to the client and their general practitioner.
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St. George's Hospital Falls and Balance Clinic
Phone Contact Number: (03) 9268 0577
Fax Number: (03) 9817 5325
Postal Address:
283 Cotham Road
Kew Vic 3101
Referrals received from:
Catchment area of the cities of Borondarra, Yarra and Darebin
Team consists of:
-
Medical
-
Nursing
-
Physiotherapist
-
Occupational therapist
-
Podiatrist
Operation Times:
Wednesday morning
Description of service:
Assessment is spread over 2 weeks. In the first week the client sees the
Doctor, Nurse and O.T. An O.T. home visit may be arranged within the next
week if it has been assessed to be necessary by the O.T. The doctor attends
a written letter to the LMO informing them of their findings.
In the second week, the client sees the Physio and Podiatrist.
They may also see the doctor to review test results if applicable. In
the second week the client receives the recommendations of the team. This
is followed up with a letter stating these recommendations to both the
client and the LMO.
The client is then reviewed in 4 months time to assess
the outcome of the recommendations. The LMO receives a letter informing
them of the outcome of the assessment and recommendations.
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Sunbury Community Health Centre Falls and Mobility
Assessment and Intervention Program
Phone Number: (03) 9744 4455 - Jo Howard,
Occ. Therapist / Falls Coordinator
Fax Number: (03) 9744 6777
Postal Address:
PO Box 218
Sunbury, 3429
Street Address:
12 - 28 Macedon Street
Sunbury, 3429
Referrals received from:
Self referrals, referral by GP. Catchment area - Sunbury, Diggers Rest,
Team consists of:
-
Podiatrist
-
Community Health Nurse
-
Occupational Therapist
-
Physiotherapist
Operation Times:
Monthly - usually the second Thursday, 1 - 4pm
Description of service:
The assessment takes two to three hours. It provides management strategies
for people who are experiencing falls in their home or community. Each
assessment investigates the client's falls history, lower limb strength,
balance, gait, vision, blood pressure, nutrition, footwear and activities
of daily living. The program consists of falls screening and a home hazard
assessment where appropriate.
Clients are given a letter detailing recommendations
and are reviewed six months after the assessment. Possible interventions
recommended following assessment include education in falls prevention,
balance retraining programs, muscle strengthening programs, walking aid
prescription and review, environmental hazard reduction and personal alarm
call application. A letter is forwarded to GP's advising the outcome,
results and recommendations, appropriate treatment of predisposing disease
conditions and medications.
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Sunshine Hospital Falls and Mobility Clinic
Phone Number: (03) 8345 1486
Fax Number: (03) 8345 1355
Postal Address:
Sunshine Hospital,
Falls and Mobility Clinic
PO Box 294
St. Albans, Vic. 3021
Street Address:
Sunshine Hospital,
Falls and Mobility Clinic,
176 Furlong Road,
St. Albans, Vic. 3021
Referrals received from:
Catchment area for the clinic includes the Municipalities of Brimbank,
Melton, Hobson's Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham.
Appropriate referrals are accepted from any source,
however the patient's local doctor will be contacted for medical information
if they are not the original referrers.
Referrals can be made by supplying the clinic with information
on our referral form (contact clinic for copy) or by a written letter,
which includes patient demographics, medical/social history and falls
history. This information can be posted or faxed to us.
Upon receipt of the referral, an appointment letter
will be sent out to the patient with directions, a Falls Clinic brochure
and a Falls diary included. One week prior to their appointment, a courtesy
phone call is made to the patient to confirm times and to assess the need
for an interpreter.
Team consists of:
-
Geriatrician
-
Physiotherapist
-
Occupational Therapist
Operation Times:
Geriatrician assessments are held on Thursday and Friday mornings. Allied
health assessments are held on Wednesdays between 9.00am and 4pm.
Home Hazard assessments occur generally on Friday mornings
but other more appropriate times are able to be negotiated.
Description of service:
Assessments occur over two-three sessions. The first and second assessments
are held within the Community Rehabilitation Centre, Sunshine Hospital.
At the first appointment, the client is seen for approximately one and
half-hours by the Geriatrician. The second appointment is also of the
same length and usually one week later. This is a joint assessment between
the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. If appropriate, a time
and date is made with the patient for a Home Hazard assessment. Feed back
is given to the patient after all assessments.
After a management plan is formulated at our weekly
case conference, assessment letters are sent to local doctors and appropriate
service providers that will be providing follow up management. On clinically
appropriate occasions, admission to the Sunshine Hospital GEM ward may
be arranged.
Phone contact is made with the patient in approximately
six weeks to monitor progress and compliance with recommendations. This
occurs again at the six-month mark. At any stage during this process however,
the patient can be offered another appointment at the clinic for a face
to face review if it is assessed by the clinicians as being appropriate.
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