Do you provide exercise lessons to Islanders?
Isle of Wight NHS Trust have a great opportunity for exercise providers to make a big difference to our Island community
The Isle of Wight NHS Falls Prevention Team is looking for Island based exercise providers to work with to improve physical activity opportunities for older adults at risk of falls.
Become a Postural Stability Instructor
As part of this exciting opportunity the team will fund a small number of successful applicants to undertake training to become a Postural Stability Instructor which is a globally recognised qualification delivered by LaterLife Training.
The natural ageing process means that older people have an increased risk of falling. Around 1 in 3 adults aged over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year. Most falls do not result in serious injury, but there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn and feel as if they have lost their independence.
Impact of Covid pandemic
A recent report by Age UK, found that since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, one in three older people have less energy, one in four are unable to walk as far as before and one in five feel less steady on their feet.
The team would like to improve the prevention of falls in older people. There are several ways to do this but an increase in physical activity will improve people’s strength, balance, and flexibility which in return will make them stronger, more confident, and less likely to fall.
Training
The Trust will support those who successfully apply with the relevant training to develop older adult exercise leader skills particularly in relation to falls prevention and improving bone health.
Becoming a Postural Stability Instructor will develop the successful applicants with a wider range of opportunities to help our elderly ladies and gentlemen to keep moving once NHS care has finished.
Robertson: Becoming a Postural Stability Instructor has changed my practice
Caroline Robertson, Falls Prevention Coordinator said,
“As a physiotherapist, I haven’t looked back since becoming a Postural Stability Instructor and can honestly say it changed my practice.
“I’m therefore incredibly excited that we are able to offer this training opportunity to exercise instructors who are keen to develop their specialist older person exercise leader skills. Our aim is that by working together, we can improve the choice of exercise activities available to older adults who may be underconfident and need help to get going. If we get it right, we have the potential to make a really big difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.
“If you are passionate about older person’s care and have scope within your business to build and develop the physical activity offer to support the needs of this generation, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.”
Check eligibility
Funded places for the Postural Stability Instructor training are limited. To check eligibility in the first instance please go to PSI Eligibility – Later Life Training
If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact Caroline Robertson, Falls Prevention Coordinator on: (01983) 822099 ext. 5353 or 07818 584108 and at: [email protected]
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
Image: Yan Krukov under CC BY 2.0
