Falls Prevention
Our safety and well-being, particularly as we advance in age, should always be of paramount concern.
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Therapy
At BodyMotion Physiotherapy, our team regularly work with participants who are at a greater risk of stumbles and falls due to their age, disability or impairments. After all, serious injuries like bone fractures and concussions can result in lengthy hospital stays following a fall, placing great significance on exercises and programs to aid in prevention.
Through tailored physiotherapy plans based on a patient’s individual needs and body, we can overcome many of the causes of loss of balance and falls in the elderly and others.
Learn more about our falls prevention methods and physiotherapy program options today.
Common Risk Factors for Falls
A ‘fall’ might sound like a simple occurrence, but its implications can be life-altering. To grasp the essence of falls prevention, we must first cover the most common risk factors for falls:
- Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions like arthritis, vertigo, or even vision problems can increase the risk of falls.
- Medications: Some medications can make one drowsy or light-headed as a side-effect to their main purpose, impacting one’s balance and coordination.
- Environmental Hazards: Cluttered spaces, uneven flooring, or poor lighting can turn otherwise safe
- Mobility Challenges: Age can often reduce our level of mobility and strength, especially with long periods of inactivity, and the use of walkers or canes might not always prevent a fall if used incorrectly.
Recognising these risk factors for falls can be the first step in ensuring the safety of our elderly loved ones.
Loss of Balance & Causes of Falls, Particularly in the Elderly
What causes this sudden loss of balance? And what does the falls definition mean in the context of the elderly?
A fall, in the context of health and wellness, refers to any sudden drop or descent due to unintentional reasons, leading to injuries or potential harm. For older people, the causes often intertwine with a myriad of reasons, including:
- Physical Changes: Muscle weakness or joint problems can be a significant cause of falls in the elderly.
- Sensory Decline: Reduced vision or hearing can impact how one interacts with their environment.
- Chronic Conditions: Diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's can directly influence mobility and cognitive decision-making.
- Cognitive Factors: Memory lapses or judgement errors can sometimes make even familiar terrains hazardous.
At BodyMotion Physiotherapy, we believe understanding these nuances is the key to an effective fall prevention program.
What Does Our Fall Prevention Program Entail?
Our fall prevention program has been designed to provide tailored strategies that cater to individual needs, featuring:
- Assessment: We delve deep to understand individual risk factors, from medical histories to mobility challenges.
- Physical Therapy: Incorporating falls prevention exercises to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance coordination.
- Home Safety Checks: Recommendations to transform living spaces into safer zones.
- Education & Awareness: Empowering not just older adults, but also their caregivers and family, with knowledge about falls and their prevention.
Our goal is to ensure that the elderly, as well as those concerned for them, feel confident in their ability to navigate their surroundings without fear.
Contact Our Specialist Team For More Information on Our Falls Prevention Solutions
To learn more about our falls prevention techniques and how they can help to reduce the risk factors and common causes for loss of balance and falls in the elderly, please give us a call on (03) 9873 3333 or send us an enquiry form and we will get back to you with all the information you require.