Falls Prevention and Balance Clinic
I have witnessed the horrible effects after a fall in both professional and personal life. Falls can be debilitating for the individual, cause worry and anxiety to the family. Inevitably, it is also a burden to the society - increasing hospital admissions and healthcare costs - when it can be preventable. Livewell balance physio and falls prevention clinic, we believe that falls SHOULD be prevented and that is exactly our mission - to reduce falls recurrence and hospital admissions. Most importantly, it is to enable your parents or grandparents, and boost their confidence on being on their feet again.
How common are falls?
Falls are Australia’s largest contributor to hospitalisation cases (42%), and a leading cause of injury deaths (40%).
People aged 65 years old and older were more likely to be hospitalised or have fatal injury compared to other age group.
What are the effects of falls?
Falls have a variety of outcomes, ranging from no injury, minor injury, serious injury or even death.
Superficial cuts and abrasions
Bruises and sprains
Haematoma
Fractures (hip being the most common)
Intracranial bleeding
Loss of mobility
Fear of falling
Muscle weakness and damage
Pneumonia
Pressure sores
Risk of social isolation
What causes falls?
Age
The hospitalisation and mortality rate due to falls is highest among people over 65 years of age.
Unsteady gait
Slower walking speed and inconsistent step distance are both linked to increased risk of falls.
Inappropriate footwear and foot issues
Less supportive shoes, worn soles leg or foot pain can all impact on one’s mobility and balance, especially if walking is affected. Medical conditions, such as diabetes, change sensation in our feet and negatively affect balance.
Weak muscles and physical inactivity
Inactivity can cause loss of leg muscle strength, which is one of the highest risk factors for increase in falls.
Poor eyesight
Reduced ability to judge the distance of an object
Slow reaction time
Incontinence
Dementia
Home set-up: Poor lighting, unsafe footwear, slippery surfaces, trip hazards, steps or uneven surfaces. 50% of falls occur within familiar areas in the home or immediate home surroundings.
Inadequate diet and dehydration
Other medical conditions:
Low blood pressure - If you feel dizzy and/or lose balance when moving from lying/sitting to standing
Dizziness
Parkinson’s Disease
Arthritis
Stroke
Diabetes
Depression
Previous history of falls - If you have fallen more than once in the past 6 months, you are likely to fall again
Fear of falling
This can lead to reducing or avoiding activity, which leads to increased frailty, decreased social contacts, increased isolation and dependance on others, which ultimately increase risk of falling
“The incidence and consequences of falls affect all of us, at an individual level and community at large. Falls result in activity restriction, fear of falling, increased dependence on others, loss of mobility, increased disability and reduced quality of life.”
What can we do to prevent falls?
It is essential for your health professionals to take a thorough assessment of the contributing factors to your high risk of falling.
Keeping physically active under the relevant clinical recommendations.
Undertake strengthening and balance retraining to achieve long-term health outcomes.
Seeking input from health professionals even when you are not showing any symptoms of physical imbalance - Being proactive about this is key.
