Yes, the facts and figures about falls within the older population are alarming and quite frankly, rather overwhelming! Unfortunately, it is true that the incidence of falls in this age group is relatively common and they can result in injuries and pain, loss of confidence, reduced quality of life and maybe even admission into a care home. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as there is always something that can be done. There are many ways that falls can be prevented. An experienced and knowledgeable physio understands how the human body moves and functions and is therefore well placed to provide valuable and crucial assistance to help the elderly prevent falls:
- Initially, they may carry out a multifactorial falls risk assessment because no one single factor is the cause of all falls. The greater the number of risk factors that someone is exposed to, the greater likelihood of a fall. Physios can identify any initial problems/difficulties with balance, strength and movement, as well as defining any other contributing factors which may be the causes of falls.1
- Using the outcomes of these assessments, care plans tailored to an individual’s needs can be developed in which agreed goals are set based on the person’s strengths and weaknesses. Achievement of these goals allows them to live well and stay active for longer. These evidence-based assessments have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls by 24%. So, they are especially important for those at risk of falling e.g. in care homes, or those who have fallen.1-3
- Education about fall prevention is very important and therefore, physios will use the approach of explaining strategies such as environmental alterations, exercise therapy, clinical assessment and minimising injury.
- Advice will be given about environmental safety in the homes, such as removing trip hazards, wearing appropriate footwear, using handrails and bathmats in the shower, cleaning up spills and de-cluttering.
- Physios encourage healthy ageing by promoting the need to remain active and continue to exercise. They can motivate individuals and help them to overcome any obstacles so that they can participate in exercise and make sure they have fun along the way! There is strong evidence that physio led exercise programmes including walking, balance training and resistance training for maintaining bone density, when delivered either in home or group settings, have resulted in a reduction in falls and may reduce the fear of falling, even in the very frail and elderly.4,5 Long term programmes which provide at least 50h exercise for at least 2h/week over a minimum of 6 months, have shown the best results.6,7 This may seem like a massive commitment but once you start growing in strength and fitness, you will be encouraged by what you can achieve and want to do more and more!
- A clinical assessment using specific tests to determine fall risk can be undertaken by a physio. These tests include Timed Up & Go (TUG) which assesses a person’s static
- In order to minimise injury, a physio will refer an individual to their GP for a full work up and review of prescribed medicines. They can also teach people how to get up off the floor safely, in order to minimise the time spent on the floor after a fall, because a long lie on the floor following a fall can lead to serious injury and increase the risk of secondary complications.8 In the unfortunate case that a fall does take place, a physio will support the individual with rehabilitation and injury management.
If you still have questions, would like friendly advice, reassurance or a chat to discuss concerns/anxieties, why not contact us:
info@srphysio.co.uk
appointments@srphysio.co.uk
01603-208-238
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Falls in older people: assessing risk and prevention. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2013. https://bit.ly/1PwhNcb
- NHS RightCare. RightCare Pathway: Falls and Fragility Fractures. London NHS RightCare; [n.d.]. https://bit.ly/2yPWSQI
- Public Health England. Falls and fracture consensus statement. Supporting commissioning for prevention London: Public Health England; 2017. https://bit.ly/2YgEVVi
- Kendrick D, Kumar A, Carpenter H, et al. Exercise for reducing fear of falling in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; 2014(11). https://bit.ly/2WX2Xnt
- Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; 2019(1). https://bit.ly/2HSWl6a
- Public Health England. Muscle and bone strengthening and balance activities for general health benefits in adults and older adults. Summary of a rapid evidence review for the UK Chief Medical Officers’ update of the physical activity guidelines. London: Public Health England; 2018. https://bit.ly/2MKBoIk
- Centre for Ageing Better. Raising the bar on strength and balance: The importance of community-based provision. London: Centre for Ageing Better; 2019. https://bit.ly/2BwISM3
- Goodwin VA, Briggs, L. Guidelines for the Physiotherapy management of older people at risk of falling London: AGILE; 2012. https://bit.ly/2Qfbv6w
