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A falls referral mistaken for loss of independence

Setting: A primary care nursing consultation

A patient has agreed to discuss two near falls. The GP plan is a home falls assessment; no decision about residential care has been made.

Task

  • Explore the patient’s interpretation of the referral.
  • Ask about one specific near fall and its effect on daily life.
  • Relate the assessment to the goal of independence.
  • Check what the referral does and does not mean.
Home assessment information
  • The team assesses the home environment and mobility needs.
  • A referral is not a decision to move the patient into residential care.
  • Recommendations are discussed after assessment; no specific outcome is promised.
  • The patient’s goal is to visit the local shop again.
  • Current prescribed mobility and medicine plans remain unchanged until the responsible team reviews them.

Fictional scenario information supplied by the treating team; not medical guidance for real patients.