The Invigor8 programme helps reduce the risk of falls in people aged 65 and over, through a series of core exercises.
Invigor8 a new free falls prevention exercise programme, specifically designed for people 65 and over, has been launched at South Ayrshire Council's Citadel in Ayr.
Councillor Hugh Hunter, Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Health Partnership (CHP) said: "Invigor8 is an innovative programme designed to meet the needs of older people in our communities at risk of falls.
"Funding for the initiative has come from the Scottish Governments Change Fund, which supports the Reshaping Care for Older People programme. South Ayrshire CHP received an allocation of £1.9 million to invest in improving services.
"Demographic change in South Ayrshire over the next 20 years will see an increase of 50% in people aged over 75 and 124% in people over 85 years.
"South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, voluntary and independent sectors are working together to further develop ways to help prevent older people falling and ending up in accident and emergency units or being admitted to hospital.
"Participating in Invigor8 will make a huge difference for many people, by reducing their risk of having a fall, improving their physical wellbeing and boosting their confidence.
Dr Heather Hall, NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Falls Lead Practitioner said: "Invigor8 is an evidence-based service which meets the needs of the people who are most at risk of falling.
"We know that to reduce the numbers of people who suffer falls in Ayrshire and Arran, we need to deliver a 50 week exercise programme focused on improving an individual's strength and balance. This partnership programme supported by the Community Health Partnership allows us to deliver this important service."
One in three people aged 65 and over experience a fall each year. Falls, however, are not an inevitable consequence of ageing. By undertaking a specific strength and balance exercise programme for 50 weeks, the risk of having a fall is markedly reduced.
The exercise classes are led by highly trained and experienced instructors. A physiotherapy support worker also assists with participants. Classes are suitable for people who have had a fall or want to prevent falls in the future.
The classes will help build and maintain eight core components:
- Balance
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Endurance
- How to get down on to the floor and back up
- Floor work
- Tai Chi
- Confidence building
Two levels of class will be held with ongoing monitoring and assessment.
Councillor Nan McFarlane, Portfolio Holder for Social Services for the Council said: "Invigor8 is an outstanding programme which supports the Reshaping Care Agenda for Older People.
"Older people want to remain fit, active and independent and we must do all we can to support them in meeting this aspiration.
"By carrying out the programme in venues across South Ayrshire we hope to make it easily accessible."
Enthusiastic Invigor8 participant Michael Abbott said: "This is an excellent programme which is well focussed for the people who need it most. It is beneficial having someone to encourage me in falls prevention and is also important to me socially."
Retired GP and Invigorate classmate Laura Macdonald agreed adding: "At this class we realise that aging and disability do not have to lead to further deterioration.
"The programme offers us a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to gain skills and confidence that help prevent falls and we're already discovering that we can resume control of our everyday lives.
"But the best part is that Invigor8 is fun!"
People over 65 can be referred to Invigor8 through a voucher scheme by a health or social care professional such as a doctor, practice nurse, physiotherapist or home care provider. Alternatively call the contact telephone number on one of the voucher booklets, which will be widely available in doctors surgeries, NHS outpatient clinics, physiotherapy and occupational therapy departments, pharmacists, opticians, and some Council premises.
Anyone wishing to participate in the programme will be asked to go for an assessment prior to joining a class to ensure the classes are suitable for them.
Classes will be held across South Ayrshire in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Maybole and Girvan.
The Invigor8 programme is an Ayrshire-wide initiative, with classes also available in North and East Ayrshire and people are welcome to attend an Invigor8 class at any venue most convenient to them.
For more information on classes contact Janey.Anderson@south-ayrshire.gov.uk telephone 01292 294716 or 01292 294704.
For additional information on the NHS Ayrshire & Arran's falls prevention programme contact Dr Heather Hall by email at Heather.Hall@aapct.nhs.scot.uk or phone 01292 660827.