Falls risk analysis & management plans are central to the work we do at SP Therapy Services. Preventing falls is not only about safety. It is about protecting independence, confidence, and quality of life.
In February 2026, our entire team came together for a dedicated professional development day focused entirely on falls prevention. The goal was simple: improve how we deliver falls risk analysis and management plans for the people we support.
During the day we reviewed the latest NICE guidelines, discussed best practice, and worked with a real patient to complete a live falls risk assessment. Together we analysed the findings and created a personalised falls management plan.
It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Why Our Team Dedicated a Day to Falls Prevention
Falls are rarely random accidents. In many cases, they are predictable clinical events with serious consequences.
A fall can lead to:
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fractured hips
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reduced mobility
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hospital admissions
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loss of confidence
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reduced independence
However, research shows that many falls are preventable when clinicians carry out a thorough falls risk assessment and create a structured management plan.
That is why our February 2026 away day was so valuable. Bringing the whole SPTS team together allowed us to review our practice, challenge our thinking, and strengthen our approach to falls risk analysis and management plans.
By creating protected time for learning, we ensured that our clinical approach stays aligned with the latest evidence.
Aligning With the Latest NICE Guidelines
A key focus of our away day was reviewing the updated NICE guidelines (April 2025) on falls in older people.
NICE recommends a multifactorial approach to falls prevention. In other words, no single intervention is enough. Clinicians must assess and address several risk factors at the same time.
Effective falls risk analysis and management plans should include:
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physical function
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home environment
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medication review
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cognitive health
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psychological factors
NICE also highlights the importance of exercise programmes that combine strength and balance training. These programmes are proven to reduce falls risk.
As physiotherapists and movement specialists, this is an area where our expertise makes a significant difference.
Learning From a Real Patient: Person-Centred Practice
One of the most valuable parts of the day involved working with one of our patients.
With their full consent, we completed a live falls risk assessment together as a team. This allowed us to observe the assessment process in real time and discuss clinical reasoning at every stage.
We assessed:
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balance
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gait and walking pattern
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muscle strength
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functional mobility
We also explored the patient’s home environment, medication history, and previous experiences of falls or near-misses.
Most importantly, we listened to what mattered to them.
Using this information, we worked together to create a personalised falls risk management plan tailored to their goals and daily life.
This kind of patient-centred learning reflects how we work every day at SPTS. Our falls risk analysis and management plans are always developed with the person involved.
What a Falls Risk Assessment Should Include
A comprehensive falls risk assessment looks at several key areas. Each factor contributes to the overall risk of falling.
Physical Assessment
Physiotherapists use standardised clinical tests to measure balance, strength, and mobility.
These may include:
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Berg Balance Scale
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Timed Up and Go (TUG)
These tests provide objective data and allow us to track improvement over time.
Environmental Assessment
The home environment often plays a significant role in falls risk.
As community physiotherapists, we can identify hazards such as:
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loose rugs
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poor lighting
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missing grab rails
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unsafe bathroom layouts
Small changes to the environment can significantly reduce risk.
Medication and Clinical History
Certain medications can increase the risk of falling. These may include:
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sedatives
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blood pressure medication
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some antidepressants
During a falls risk assessment, we review medication alongside the person’s clinical history and any previous falls.
Cognitive and Psychosocial Factors
Fear of falling is a powerful risk factor.
When someone loses confidence, they may reduce their activity levels. Over time this leads to muscle weakness and reduced balance.
For this reason, we explore confidence, mood, and psychological wellbeing during our assessments.
Why Exercise Is Central to Falls Prevention
At SP Therapy Services, exercise forms a key part of every falls management plan.
Research consistently shows that structured exercise programmes reduce falls risk.
However, effective falls prevention is not about general advice to “stay active”. It requires carefully prescribed physiotherapy programmes.
Effective programmes include:
✔ Progressive strength and balance training
✔ Individualised exercise plans based on ability and goals
✔ Ongoing support to improve adherence
✔ Practical solutions to real-life barriers such as fatigue or transport
✔ Clinical exercise prescription rather than generic lifestyle advice
As physiotherapists specialising in movement and rehabilitation, we are uniquely placed to deliver these interventions safely and effectively.
Falls Prevention Protects Independence
When we talk about falls risk analysis and management plans, we are really talking about protecting the things that matter most.
Preventing falls helps people:
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stay independent
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maintain mobility
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avoid hospital admissions
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continue living at home
Every fall prevented protects confidence, function, and quality of life.
That is why falls prevention remains such a priority for the SPTS team.
Conclusion
Falls risk analysis and management plans are not simply a clinical task. They are a vital part of protecting long-term independence and wellbeing.
Our February 2026 team away day reinforced our commitment to delivering the highest standard of falls prevention care.
By combining:
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evidence-based assessment
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NICE guideline alignment
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person-centred care
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specialist physiotherapy expertise
we continue to strengthen the falls prevention services we provide.
Ready to Reduce Your Falls Risk?
If you or someone you support could benefit from a professional falls risk assessment, the SP Therapy Services team is here to help.
We provide personalised falls risk analysis and management plans designed to help people move safely and confidently.
Get in touch here
About the Author
Jayne Hallford, MCSP, HCPC, is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Jayne is an experienced physiotherapist and Clinical Coordinator at SP Therapy Services.
She specialises in treating children and adults with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, and developmental conditions — from neonates through to adulthood.
Known within the team as the “SP Therapy Services encyclopaedia on children’s rehabilitation”, Jayne has over 30 years of experience and leads on clinical development across the team.
Professional Qualifications:
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BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Studies, Leeds Beckett University, 1993
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Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP)
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Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
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Specialist in Paediatric and Adult Neurological Rehabilitation