TRAINING sessions have been developed by healthcare staff to look at ways of preventing falls in older people and dealing with such issues as vision, continence and osteoporosis.
The half-day classes have been developed by staff from across Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust (PCT). They are available to nursing and residential homes throughout north Durham.
The aim is to reduce the amount of falls by the elderly and help train staff in nursing homes to improve the quality of life of the patients.
Nicky Pratt, co-ordinator of Castlegarth Practice in Durham, said: "Feedback from the staff in the homes has been fantastic."
A session was held on Tuesday at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital.
Denise Elliott, an osteoporosis nurse from the PCT, and Sue Lawson, head of occupational therapy at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital, gave a talk on how to make the environment safer, and a physiotherapist advised on mobility equipment.
Age Concern demonstrated exercise programmes and nursing staff gave advice on incontinence, medications and blood pressure. An optician from Boots also attended. Two more sessions will be held, on June 1 at the Chester-le-Street Community Hospital and at Appleton House in Durham on June 21.
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