Falls Prevention - Postural Stability Instruction (PSI)

Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Solihull - Head Office's catchment area.

2 Vulcan Road
Solihull
B91 2JY
United Kingdom

Email: psi@ageuksolihull.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 7047845

Postural Stability Instruction (PSI) is the only evidence-based exercise that provides proven outcomes for frequent or recurrent fallers.

FREE 20 week exercise programme. For self-referral, ask your GP to complete the online form.

About Postural Stability Instruction

Age UK Solihull has been commissioned by the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System to provide Postural Stability Exercise Instruction for people aged 65 and over who have had a history of falls in the previous 12 months.

If you have fallen in the past 12 months you are not alone. Every year 35% of over 65's experience one or more falls and 45% of people aged over 80 who live in the community will fall each year. Following a fall, less than 50% of over 65's will regain their former level of independence.

The Postural Stability Instruction Service will not only support you to improve muscle strength, balance and confidence, it will also support you to access wider health and wellbeing services, enabling you to gain the greatest benefits from the programme.

There are also certain expectations of you, and you must not only commit to 20 one-hour classes but also commit to an individually tailored exercise programme which you will undertake at home for a minimum of 6 months.

Benefits of the Service

The programme should help participants:

- Understand the wider benefits of exercise
- Be motivated to build the level of exercise gradually
- Maintain independence
- Undertake appropriate exercise during the programme
- Have a reduced fear of falling
- Get up off the floor if a fall occurs
- Have increased confidence
- Meet others
- Access appropriate exercise after the programme ends

Access to the service

Referrals to the service will come through health professionals such as Community Intermediate Care Service, a physiotherapist or your GP. There is a referral form below for health professionals below.

If you want to refer yourself into the service you must contact your GP.

- Participants must be 65 and older with a history of falls in the last 12 months
- Participants must be a resident of Solihull and registered with a Solihull GP

Click below for our referral form (for health professionals only)

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/services/falls/psi-referral-form/

Class times

Mondays
10:00am to 11:00am and 11:30am to 12:30pm

Wednesdays
1:30pm to 2:30pm and 2:45pm to 3:45pm

Instructors

All Postural Stability Instructors will have undertaken accredited PSI training and be registered with the Register of Exercise Professionals, have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check, an appropriate First Aid Certificate, Indemnity Insurance and Safeguarding Adults Training.

Virtual Exercise Classes

It is important for everyone, particularly older people who are at risk of falls, to exercise regularly. Our PSI Instructor, Sharon, put together some videos so you can take part in some gentle exercise classes from home. All you need for most of them is a chair with a bit of space around it. Click below to view the classes.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/services/falls/virtual-psi-classes/

Click below to see a video of some falls prevention exercises from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8s-8KtfgFM&feature=youtu.be

Postural Stability Instruction Testimonials 2022-23

Read some of our client comments about how our Postural Stability Instruction (PSI) classes have made a difference to their lives.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/services/falls/postural-stability-instruction-testimonials/

PSI Referral Form - please click link below

For use by Health Professionals only.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/services/falls/psi-referral-form/