Case Study 1 – Falls Responder Service / Low-Level Aids and Adaptations

Background:
RW was an independent woman living alone and enjoying an active lifestyle. One day, she experienced a sudden dizzy spell while rising from her chair. With nothing nearby to hold onto, she lost her balance and fell to the floor. Unable to get up, she slowly crawled to the coffee table to retrieve her mobile phone and dialled 999 for help.

Incident:
Paramedics arrived via the open back door. Upon assessment, RW reported pain in her hip and wrist but insisted she did not want to go to hospital, believing the injuries were likely bruises. When asked if someone could stay with her, she explained she had no one nearby. Concerned for her safety, the paramedics persuaded her to attend A&E for further checks.

Hospital Stay:
After a lengthy 3.5-hour wait in A&E and a CT scan, RW was informed she needed to stay until a radiologist could review the scan results. As it was late, and with no one at home to support her, the senior nurse arranged for her to be admitted to a ward overnight.

During the night, RW attempted to use the toilet independently. On her return to bed, she became disoriented and slipped, resulting in a fractured hip. She underwent surgery to repair the fracture. Tragically, despite the operation, she was never able to return home. The CT scan later showed no initial injuries from her fall at home.

Proposed Solution:
An integrated health and social care Falls Responder Service, connected to a personal lifeline pendant, could have significantly altered RW’s outcome. Had RW been wearing a lifeline device, she could have activated the alert, prompting a trained responder to attend. Unlike emergency services, these responders are able to spend more time ensuring the individual is safe, comfortable, and calm. Clinically trained, they can escalate to emergency services if needed.

If RW had received assistance at home through this responder service, it’s likely she would have remained in her own environment, reducing the risk of disorientation and further injury. In this case, the secondary fall and hip fracture could have been avoided, potentially allowing her to maintain her independence.