Reduce the risk of falls in the Elderly - What's the current advice?

Falls Prevention is a high priority within the elderly population. The current statistics indicate 1 in 3 adults over 65 living at home will have at least one fall per year, with the recurrence rate higher if you've already had a recent fall.

The majority of falls don't tend to lead to a major injury but the risk is clear to see. If you're unfortunate enough to fall and break a bone or suffer an injury this can lead to reduced confidence and apprehension when it comes to physical exercise, as well as an inevitable recovery time which can be difficult to manage.

Risk Factors

The following issues can increase the risk of falls:

- Poor balance

- Muscle wasting / weakness

- Poor eye-sight

- Dementia

- Low Blood Pressure

- Previous history of falling

Helping to Prevent a Fall

There a re several things you can do to make sure that you are reducing the risk of having a fall. The NHS website (www.nhs.uk/condition/falls) makes the following recommendations:

- Make sure your floors (and house!) are free from clutter

- Make sure lighting is adequate in each room with hallways and staircases well lit.

- Use non-slip mats in toilets and bathrooms

- Ask for help when faced with difficult tasks such as heavy lifting

- Make sure your vision has been assessed recently

- Ask your GP to assess your blood pressure in lying and standing (a drop in blood pressure when you stand is called 'Postural Hypotension' and can increase the risks of falling due to dizziness)

- Engage in physical exercise regularly! Staying fit and strong can significantly reduce your risk of falling!

- Wear slippers or shoes and don't walk around in socks or tights.

- Regular visits to a Chiropodist or GP about any foot problems and make sure your toenails are well maintained.

Exercise to Prevent Falls

Doing regular exercise including strength training and balance training can help make falls less likely. This doesn't have to be anything too specific - It could be walking, dancing, following an online exercise program for example. If you want to have a training regime specifically designed for you, you should speak to a professional for their advice. If this is something you feel you need, you're welcome to contact us today HERE

It's so important to know that reducing the risk of falls is possible! Having a fall does not have to be a slippery slope to further falls and less independence, but getting back on your feet may take a bit of hard work and a lot of practice!

If you want to improve your mobility, safety, balance and reduce your risk of falling we'd love to hear from you today!

For more information see the NHS Website www.nhs.uk/condition/falls Or alternatively there's a nice page that can be found at www.myagedcare.gov.au