BCG Brookfield champions falls prevention thanks to new innovations

A Carnoustie care home is getting ahead of the curve and finding new ways to support residents prone to falls, thanks to a collaborative initiative with Angus Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP). The project, identified as an opportunity to promote the group’s drive for continuous improvement, by BCG Brookfield Home Manager, Tina Harris, has significantly enhanced resident fall safety since first being trialled last autumn.

Tina was eager to collaborate with Angus HSCP Senior Nurse for Care Homes, Kay Gray and Angus Falls Service Coordinator, Paul Kelly, to additionally introduce a set of enhanced preventative measures between October 2024 and January 2025, which are now embedded as a part of the home’s everyday practice. As a result, the home has been delighted to see a further 57% drop in falls per quarter.

To get there, the Brookfield team completed a specialised NHS Education for Scotland module, called Falls, Frailty and Bone Health – Prevention and Management, and also earned their SSSC Open Badge Physiotherapy in Care Settings – Walking Aids. Each resident also underwent a Multifactorial Falls Risk Assessment, focusing on cognitive impairment and other individual risk factors, such as vision and hearing, foot health, and continence care.

The team then embedded strength and balance activities into residents’ daily routines and introduced a Health Walks Corridor, to promote daily movement and overall wellbeing, in partnership with Angusalive. Brookfield’s increased clear reduction in falls during the first quarter of 2025 marks a trend which has been ongoing, and exactly what the team have worked towards.

Tina Harris, BCG Brookfield Home Manager, said: “We’re always looking for further initiatives that will support our determination for continuous improvement across BCG.

“At Brookfield, we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent falls and our teams work tirelessly to reduce risks. But of course, it’s important to acknowledge that falls remain a common concern in our residents. Age-related factors such as muscle weakness, balance difficulties, and changes in vision can increase vulnerability but we know many falls are preventable and wanted to do all we could to maximise that prevention.

“Our ongoing efforts focus not only on prevention, but on empowering our residents where possible with the knowledge and tools to stay safe, confident, and independent.

“The success of it really comes down to great collaboration and targeted intervention to improve outcomes for our residents. Our thanks go to Kay and Paul for supporting our drive for greater falls prevention. One year in and we’ve continued to monitor fall trends every month, maintaining the use of this valuable joint project.”

Tracy McDonald, BCG Operations Director, added: “I’m so proud of all our teams for the care and attention they bring to fall prevention every single day. For Brookfield especially, taking this extra step to focus on what is a central priority in our day-to-day care. It’s great to have the data to show how their commitment is making a real difference. It’s that blend of compassion and vigilance that helps keep our homes safe.”

Kay Gray, Angus HSCP Senior Nurse for Care Homes, said: “Part of our roles with the Angus HSCP involves providing support and education to care homes. This is a great example of some focused work we supported. Brookfield were willing volunteers to take part in this pilot where we encouraged and supported the use of a variety of resources. The resources used supported a reduction in risk of falls and encouraged analysis for residents that had sustained a fall. This resulted in good outcomes for residents and highlighted the importance of falls awareness being part of everyone’s role. We look forward to working within other care homes within Angus.

“To support the sharing of this work, we have produced a poster which will be on display across NHS Tayside as part of the NHS Tayside Celebrating Tayside event.”

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