Chris Elliott
I'm an Advanced Occupational Therapist (PhD) with an interest in Falls prevention. It is important to me that people can age with confidence and continue to enjoy daily activities important to them
Location I live and work in the North East of England
Activity
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Chris Elliott replied to indira desai
what a lovely comment @indiradesai, thank you
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Chris Elliott replied to Barry Lowden
I've really enjoyed your contributions to this course @BarryLowden, thank you!
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Chris Elliott replied to David Williams
great comment @DavidWilliams, thank you
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Chris Elliott replied to Ann Murrells
absolutely @AnnMurrells; spread the word!! please use the information, tips and tools from the course to help those in your family and community reduce their risk of falling.
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Chris Elliott made a comment
FANTASTIC to see so many changes having been made! Brilliant!
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....any advice on 'design out'ing' hazardous husbands most welcome @SusanHarrod Susan!
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click your mouse on the 'reply' and arrow icon underneath Patricia's comment and it will open a box for you to comment in....
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Chris Elliott replied to Sarah Stephens
@DrMukundlal I don't think so but I'll find out for you!
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Chris Elliott replied to Sarah Stephens
Our Falls clinic is part of the NHS, with funding coming from referrals from for e.g. GPs. As a starting point, you will need a business case - whilst this course alone demonstrates the usefulness of a falls service, it will come down to budgets locally for you. To be blunt about it, you need to show what falls are costing your department/organisation and give...
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ABSOLUTELY!
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Chris Elliott replied to Amjad Saleh
Hi Amjad - there are LOTS of tips and advice here to help with the program you are developing. Take into account the comments from the FLers too...NOTHING is better or more informative than the learned experience!
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Chris Elliott made a comment
I'm liking the idea of pelvic 'airbags'! - I wonder if any of our engineering FLers can come up with a prototype!
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Chris Elliott replied to Sarah Stephens
When we do home visits we always check how people are on the stairs....it is a must!
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Chris Elliott replied to Mai Glanville
Please do Mai! I'm really interested to hear about how you have got on and I'm sure your fellow FLers are too!
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Chris Elliott replied to Susan McPhee
you can share the article by clicking on the icons above (email it to yourself perhaps by clicking onto the envelope)
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Chris Elliott replied to Iris Cohen
where do you live Iris? Are you able to find out if you have a local Falls clinic or similar?
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Chris Elliott replied to Anne Spence
Indeed @AnneSpence - have you had this looked at professionally?
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Ah yes! The issue of lighting is part of our discussions on the course - I’ll try and find some links for you. Many people use plug in ‘night lights’ or similar to illuminate landings and leaving a light on in the bathroom really helps with orientation; perhaps an over mirror light, so it isn’t too bright.
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Chris Elliott replied to Gary Marsh
Me too Gary - way back when, it used to happen! OT’s and Physios would run small group activities with inpatients (advice, rehab etc) but alas, those budgets kept getting stretched......
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Chris Elliott replied to jan hine
Hi Jan, speak to your GP as well as local council to see what opportunities are available in your area - let us know how you get on.
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Chris Elliott replied to shelly davies
Hear! hear! Shelly
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How did you get on David? Anything new advice you can share with us?
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Well said Cynthia
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This made me giggle.....and I’ve never heard the word banjaxed before! - I’m assuming it means ‘ stuck/snookered’ but please translate! ;)
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Fantastic Joyce!
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how lovely to say Mariam, thank you
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Chris Elliott replied to Sarah Theobald
a therapist in the making! ;)
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Hi John, this can be a $1M question can't it. Throughout the course we have said "yes!' get a second handrail on the stairs, then, 'No' don't use walking sticks as a 'crutch' - we want you to be safe! We want you to be able! It a conundrum.
I don't know what your mobility is like John, or what additional conditions or problems you might have so to give you...
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Chris Elliott replied to Val P
@ValP HA! Succinct!
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@SueKyberd quite! The cost would be huge....and I can forsee lots of issues with 'accidental' or false reads.... @MariamB YES! there are new devices coming onto the market, the issue as Patricia McGrogan mentions above, is getting a reputable, reliable company to respond efficiently to the technology and importantly, the person who has fallen!
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Chris Elliott replied to VIOLET LACEY
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Some great discussion here thank you. The use of mobile phones is an interesting one - as long as you aren't my dad who leaves his turned off to save the battery! There are also pressure mats that are sometimes used in for e.g. care homes that can detect a sudden 'fall' to the floor......do you think these would work in the home environment?
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@JanetBrinsmead ha! Quite! I come from a long line of very capable women (aka bloody-minded!).
Thankfully I am from a profession who pride themselves on working 'with' people, not prescribing 'to them' - but yes, as an independently thinking woman myself, I cannot bear to be patronised; that feeling is I think ageless (I have teenage daughters - need I say... -
The course does offer information on useful exercise, positive ageing and staying active but this section is REALLY important in improving knowledge and understanding for those who have concerns about themselves or those they love and care for falling and being left alone and 'helpless'. We know from our work with patients and their families that this is a...
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@CynthiaR this is an area we have lots of experience in - independence v change (although of course these are NOT opposing factors!). Please tell them about the course and print out some of the falls guides and home hazards information. Let them do a "secret shopper' of their own home, and see for themselves what improvements THEY can make to reduce risks.
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You'll see grab rails becoming more common place in hotels etc. now, not simply in disabled access or adapted rooms - I deduce that this is because they help prevent slips and falls. In my humble opinion, I would get the grab rails installed; there are a variety on the market to suit style of your bathroom - please just make sure they are properly and well...
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Chris Elliott made a comment
Very positive that many of you are considering keeping a falls diary - these can be really insightful for all concerned. It's good to see changes being actioned.
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Chris Elliott made a comment
Hello! don't worry about joining 'late'... it's not a problem. Welcome and enjoy the course! if you have any questions, simply ask...although you will see there is already plenty of discussion going on, so you may find your queries answered there.
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Chris Elliott replied to Nia G
yes, always heel first. You will see dancers walking with their toes first on stage for grace and fluidity - but of course, this is not easy and takes time to master properly; definitely not for walking down the highstreet!
As long as no-one is walking like this we should be fine ;) https://youtu.be/iV2ViNJFZC8 -
Chris Elliott made a comment
Excellent practical advice below...thank you! Please keep your comments coming - shared experience/life experience is SO useful!
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Chris Elliott replied to Donald Lawie
yes, the 'handle' should measure to the ulna radius
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Chris Elliott replied to Barry Lowden
!!!!!!!! .......definitely needs measuring correctly! are you able to do this now that you have this information??
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Chris Elliott replied to Alison Simmonds
...leaving things on the stairs 'to take up later' is a REALLY hard habit to break! I've started to use a really bright flexi bucket to put things in that need to be moved and leave it by the stairs, but away from the stair treads (and out of the way of tripping) then I take bits and pieces up at once.
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Chris Elliott replied to Chris Elliott
@EnidCruickshank yes hello! I'm on over the weekend and I'm looking forward to catching up on the FL comments and discussions!
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Chris Elliott made a comment
It turns out that pulling a hoodie on, while descending the stairs in a hurry IS NOT A GOOD IDEA! what was I thinking! "do as I say, not as I do" springs to mind! I didn't expect to be putting my own 'fall' on here!
Thanks for all the great examples below; although I maintain my stance that husbands and pets remain the worst hazard culprits! -
Chris Elliott made a comment
...so far, it seems a WordCloud in this section would have pets and husbands in the largest font! ; )
Great comments, keep them coming!
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Chris Elliott replied to Peter Wood
@JeffJ proof at last that I have ALWAYS been right! Best FL day ever! ; )
and yes gentlemen! Back to the course! (ahem....) -
Chris Elliott made a comment
Very interesting and useful comments below - such a complex question, such rich discussion!
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Oh no! @PeterSmith please do get well soon.
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Chris Elliott made a comment
Hi Jo! Don’t worry about being late to join! Welcome aboard!
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Chris Elliott made a comment
Excellent comments and discussion and some really good ideas and tips.
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Chris Elliott made a comment
I'm really enjoying the comments and discussions taking place. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with each other - it really enriches the learning environment.
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Chris Elliott replied to morena rios
@morenarios ...you are doing a terrific job at translating this into English - we appreciate it is difficult and REALLY appreciate your efforts!
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Chris Elliott replied to morena rios
Hello @morenarios - the word cloud computes all the words used and puts into larger print, the most used. So pain and fear have been mentioned often. We wil keep updating the word cloud during the course.
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great advice Marian! ....are you a secret Occupational Therapist!!! ;)
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@ValerieLorenz ...that depends on whether you are using the sticks to increase stability or as a crutch! If you need a stick (and IMPORTANTLY, if it has been measured properly) then use it! If you are unsure as to whether you 'need' a stick, ask your GP (or similar service) for a referral to a mobility centre to be assessed.
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Chris Elliott made a comment
There are some GREAT comments and advice below!
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YES! non-slip mats! completely agree!
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Chris Elliott replied to Elizabeth Evans
We talk a little more about walking and footwear during the course - this is really useful for that discussion!
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Chris Elliott replied to Connie McKenzie
@ConnieMcKenzie GREAT advice! thank you
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@NorahDempster use the handrail.......it won't decondition you, and it will improve balance and safety.
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Chris Elliott replied to Joyce Demetriou
@JoyceDemetriou The research community is quite good with keeping up to date and many nations follow 'good practice' but of course, there are variations and often some 'lagging behind'. On this course we often get new information coming in from across the world from the professionals taking part that is REALLY useful. We will share anything that comes to our...
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Chris Elliott made a comment
There are some really great comments here and its good to see conversations starting up. Its really useful to share experiences with each other as this develops your learning!
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@TriciaParker typically this means 'to take' and is o do with prescribing medicine (so here I take this to means the tablets 'are at fault'). We talk about taking medicines etc later on in the course
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Chris Elliott replied to Anik A
@AnikA @BarryLowden quite! there will be more about vision as the course continues
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@PeterWood FANTASTIC analogy!
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Hi @JaneDoyle don't be worried...be active! there is some great shared experience in the comments above and the course will provide some insight, information and 'tips' to turn that worry into positive actions that will help you prevent falling in the future.
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Chris Elliott replied to Caroline Stinchcombe
Loss of confidence can in itself be debilitating. The course will offer some practical help (tips and advice) that will, I'm sure, be of value to you
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Chris Elliott replied to Connie McKenzie
Hi Connie, the course will provide just that! welcome
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Chris Elliott replied to Anne Patterson
I think the course will help to give you more insight, as well as provide some useful hints and tips to help!
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Chris Elliott replied to Sarah Stephens
any additional comments or questions you have, please just ask Sarah
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Chris Elliott replied to Gemma Rodriguez
Please feel free to open discussion and ask questions about the OT role! great to have you on board!
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Chris Elliott made a comment
GOOD MORNING! Welcome to the course! We have a terrific 4 weeks ahead of us where together we can learn and share information, tips and experiences that improve our knowledge and understanding of ageing well and falls.
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ah there it is Ruth! Thanking you kindly!
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Chris Elliott made a comment
Some really great examples of how the FL Ageing Well community has improved their environment to reduce the risk of trips and falls. WELL DONE! and thank you for sharing.
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in the first instance, this book is doing the rounds in the OT world https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/sod-sitting-get-moving-9781472943767/ - of course, it isn't cheap. A British daily paper however, did a feature on it and there are some useful exerts here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4304654/Feel-ten-years-younger-no-gyms-no-diets-no-fuss.html
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I have been informed there is a standard (rather than HD) option, just under the video that will reduce the size of content. Hope that speeds things up a little.
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Yes, I can see how frustrating that must be Alison. I believe the video quality is down to the formatting within the FutureLearn software package; I will however raise this point. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
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Chris Elliott replied to Jane Price
there are lots of great discussions to read Jane, and of course, your comments will come up in notifications so please do still join in as people can come back to you even if they are on a different week.
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....ah yes, KISS....use that A LOT myself!
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Chris Elliott made a comment
I am really enjoying the discussions about exercise. It's really good that this has evoked such chatter and such interest in getting to an exercise class or event!
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there was an interesting piece on the BBC about Silver Swans...dance classes by the Royal Ballet, for over 60's. If I find a link I'll share it....
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Chris Elliott replied to [Learner left FutureLearn]
...and of course the best advice (thank you David), as stated, PLEASE use with, or following consultation with a professional!!!
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What a positive and welcome comment Irene. Thank you.
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Chris Elliott replied to [Learner left FutureLearn]
Ha! irony indeed! ;-)
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Chris Elliott replied to Keith Worsell
Hi Keith. Welcome aboard!!!
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I agree!
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ABSOLUTELY! Please make that request if you feel able to.
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Chris Elliott replied to [Learner left FutureLearn]
Whilst the risk of tripping on rugs is not to be taken lightheartedly.....your comments do make me laugh David.
.....but seriously, have a rug sale!!! -
Chris Elliott replied to Betsy Freeth
I LOVE this Betsy, thank you so much for sharing! I'm going to download it!
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Hi Martha. Yes, that is it exactly. ''Tentative' walking and furniture walking can increase your risk of falling. Walking sticks, grabrails in and around your home, good footwear etc. will improve your ambulation.
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Chris Elliott made a comment
Hi FutureLearners. There are some detailed comments and terrific (and supportive) discussions going on! Very interesting to read and your contributions are really enriching the course.
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Chris Elliott replied to Julie Songhurst
Really! Goodness! Please share this information with them from now on! Thanks Julie.
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Darn it! Yes! The quick reference guide! Let me get to the bottom of why it won't link directly to that actual piece and attempt to re set in the module.
And you aren't being obtuse! It is really useful to understand what is working for our FutureLearners.
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HEAR! HEAR! Margaret!
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I agree Joseph, the FL community is a wealth of experience and discussion.
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I will ask our support team if they can identify the issue, in the meantime can I direct you to a document sent in by one of our Future Learners, Louise H. https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/61087.pdf . If that won't open, I suspect your firewall is blocking access to certain sites and downloads.
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...no job is easy Elizabeth, but OT is a great vocation!
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Chris Elliott replied to Louise H.
oh Louise, I REALLY like that! I've downloaded it for my own use and reference. Thank you so much for sharing.
