Falls are the leading cause of preventable death in older people, with 1 million older Australians experiencing a fall each year.
Physiotherapy can’t change the ageing process, however, physiotherapists have a vital role in the prevention of falls in older people in our community. Preventing falls is an important part of maintaining independence to live safely and confidently at home.
Having good balance and mobility is essential to prevent falls. Balance and mobility are dependent on many factors including good cardiovascular and lung function to get oxygen to the muscles. There also needs to be the ability to move the right muscles, at the right time and with the right force. Many things can have an impact on this ability.
Physiotherapists can help identify and address risk for falls and provide strategies for individual’s everyday life to prevent falls. Early detection and prevention is key.
Common risk factors for falling in older people
- History of falls
- Reduced muscle strength
- Poor balance
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor nutrition
- Impaired walking patterns
- Fear of falling
- Chronic medical conditions eg Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, diabetes, osteoarthritis, respiratory conditions
- Dizziness, vertigo, postural hypotension
- Impaired decision making
- Poor vision
- Continence issues
- Prolonged bed rest
- Frailty
Physiotherapy and falls prevention exercises
Exercises and activities that improve strength and balance help to prevent falls.
Physiotherapists will create an individually tailored exercise program to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls that will include:
- Strength and resistance exercises
- Mobility practice
- Balance exercises
- Functional activity
Challenging your balance in ways that may be outside your comfort zone will be rewarding. However, doing these exercises with one of our physiotherapists will make sure that you stay safe and help you to improve your balance.
Additional support
Physiotherapists can also provide advise on aids to help gait such as walking sticks, walking frames and wheel chairs. They can also assess the home for safety issues including trip hazards, uneven or slippery floors, furniture placement, cluttering and poor lighting.
Physiotherapist will also liaise with other members of your healthcare team such as GP, podiatrist, dietician, occupational therapist, nurse, carers to help reduce risk of falls.
Recent Covid restrictions have increased the number of ageing clients who have become less active and deconditioned. In addition, for those who have already experienced a fall, many lose their confidence and have a fear of falling again that can prevent them from leaving their home, enjoying activities and social interactions. Our physiotherapists will give the confidence needed to start to rebuild strength and ability to soon have you enjoying your best life.
It’s never too late get active and have a positive impact on your ageing. Start slow and build up your strength and balance to maintain or rediscover fitness and independence.
See Choose physio – Falls Prevention for more information from the Australian Physiotherapy Association on how can physiotherapy prevent falls.
