Townsville General Practice Network>/h1>

FALLS PREVENTION RISK FACTOR ASSESSMENT

How Safe Are You From Falling?

	YES	NO
Do you feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet when you stand up or when you are walking?
Do you have any problems with your vision that you haven't discussed with your doctor?
Do your knees or hips give you pain when you walk or move around?
Has it been more than a year since you discussed all the medications you are taking with your GP?
Do you feel you could exercise more often than you do at present?
Do you ever feel that you might fall?
Have you fallen in the past 12 months?

NORTH QLD DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Homefront

Accident and fall prevention program. Available to all DVA Gold and white cardholders. Ph Veteran Helpline freecall 1800 801 945 to arrange a Homefront assessment.

Mediwise

DVA medications program. Available to any interested veteran or community member. 4722 3333

ETHNIC COMMUNITY CARE LINKS INC (ECCLI)

ECCL provides services to frail aged and younger disabled from non English speaking backgrounds. Services range from domestic assistance, personal care, transport, language facilitation access to carer respite funding and dementia home care funding, case management of complex needs clients. Other areas of operation include Ayr and Ingham.

ECCL Townsville,
PO Box 575,
Kirwan Old 4817
Phone: 4723 9419

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

Phone: 47730333
Fax: 4773 0385

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• Health assessment and referral
• Counselling / Psychological
• Selected therapy (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry)
• Liaison with hospitals, GPs and services or agencies.
• Assistance with establining and facilitating self help or support groups.

Physiotherapist

Provides home visits where needed and assessment and treatment programs for a wide variety of conditions. The service includes hydrotherapy and centre based group and individual therapy activities.

Podiatrist

Assesses and treats foot and lower limb complaints for all age groups. Some eligibility criteria applies for this service.

Occupational Therapist

Facilitate independence and safety within the home and community environments. Services include:

• Falls risk assessment
• Activities of daily living.
• Prescription of living and mobility aids.
• Drives assessment and rehabilitation.
• Home rehabilitation programs.

Lighten Up Program

A nine week Healthy Lifestyle Program with a weight management focus. Lighten Up encourage healthy eating, regular physical activity, changing behaviours. Healthy Body image and stress management.

Application and review for Home Care Services

Application for the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)

MASS provides medical aids to holders of pension cards who need equipment to maintain their independence in the hone. Type of aids that are provided include home oxygen, mobility, independent living and continence aids.

Trial Equipment Loan Pool

Community Health Services currently offer a trial loan of up to one month, of equipment such as wheelchairs and walking aids.

EXERCISE CLASSES

TSV CITY COUNCIL—COMMUNITY SERVICES

Home Maintenance: Townsville and Thuringowa

Qualified tradesmen are available to help frail, aged and people with disabilities. General home maintenance including doors, gates, sensors, leaking taps, installations and replacements, some gutter cleaning and mowing. Eligibility and criteria applies. Cost is for materials.

Home Assist Secure Programme

Home security assessment and direct assistance for those people over 60 year of age or people with a disability or carers.

Contact Warren Crowe

Phone: 4727 9025

Home Modifications Project

Aims to prevent premature institutionalisation of people with a disability, frail older people and carers. Modification may include bathroom alterations, ramps and water lifts. Assistance may include advice and information, drafting of plans, obtaining quotes and project management. Financial assistance of up to 50% of the cost of the work may be available. Eligibility criteria applies. HACC funded.

Contact Lisa Gatson

Phone: 47279712

ELEMENTS OF A COMPLETE DRUG HISTORY

1. Complete list of all medications, including:
• all prescription medication
• topical medication
• ear, nose and eye drops
• over-the-counter medications
• home remedies
2. The source of medication purchase:
• pharmacy
• grocery store
• health food shop
• friend / neighbour / family member
3. The intended purpose of each medication
4. The prescribed directions
5. How the person is actually taking the medication
6. Who administers the medication?
7. Cost of medication—can the person afford them?
8. History of allergies and drug reactions

DRUG ASSESSMENT

1. Is each drug necessary?
2. Are there multiple prescribers?
3. Is the person compliant or noncompliant?
4. Are medications being administered correctly?
5. Is the person's history verifiable?
6. What are the therapeutic goals? Have they been obtained?