Falls among the elderly population in Australia are a significant public health concern and a leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations among older adults in Australia. Approximately 1 in 3 Australians aged 65 and older experience a fall each year. In 2016-2017, there were over 100,000 hospital admissions for fall-related injuries in over 65’s, and in 2017 falls were the leading cause of injury-related deaths among Australians over 65. With Australia’s ageing population this is a growing public health concern and an
issue that will begin to be at the forefront of Australians lives as they take on the responsibility of care for their ageing loved ones.
Risk Factors:
Common risk factors for falls among older adults include muscle weakness, balance impairments, gait problems, chronic health conditions, medications, and environmental hazards.
What can be done to reduce the risk of your loved ones having a fall?
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in reducing the risk of falls among elderly individuals through various interventions aimed at improving strength, balance, mobility, and overall physical function. Here are some ways a physiotherapist can help:
1. Assessment of Risk Factors: Physiotherapists can assess the individual's risk factors for falls, such as muscle weakness, impaired balance, gait abnormalities, and environmental hazards.
2. Exercise Programs: They design personalised exercise programs focusing on strength,
flexibility, and balance training. These exercises may include strength exercises for the legs and core, flexibility exercises for improved range of motion, and balance exercises to enhance stability.
3. Gait Training: Physiotherapists can work on improving the individual's gait pattern to ensure it is steady and safe. This might involve practicing walking on different surfaces and terrains or using assistive devices like walkers or walking sticks properly.
4. Home Safety Assessment: They can conduct assessments of the home environment to identify potential hazards (such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or clutter) that could contribute to falls, and provide recommendations for modifications to improve safety.
5. Education and Awareness: Physiotherapists educate elderly individuals and their caregivers about fall prevention strategies. This may include teaching proper techniques for rising from sitting or lying positions, tips for navigating stairs safely, and advice on appropriate footwear.
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