Remarkable Physios

Who falls?

On average a third of people aged 65 and older will fall at least once each year.  Falls are the most common cause of injury in older adults. Yet they are a not a normal part of ageing.  For an older person a fall can cause injuries that have lasting effects and can lead to a loss of mobility and independence.

 Falling will most commonly occur where there is:

• Inactivity

• Leg muscle weakness

• Poor balance

• Multiple medication use

• Low blood pressure

• Home safety

• Poor vision

 Remember though, falls are not a normal part of ageing.

  What can you do to prevent falls?

Have regular health check-ups and stay active

As we get older it's natural for changes in our bodies to occur. Discuss with your physiotherapist what you can do to maintain your muscle and bone strength.

Check your vision

Poor eyesight can increase your chances of having a fall. Make sure the glasses you wear are right for your eyes. Take good care when wearing new glasses especially bi-focals. Remember to make a point of having your eyes checked every year or straight away if you notice a change in your vision.

 Wear sensible shoes

Wear well fitting shoes with non-slip soles to prevent falls. Shoes with low heels offer better balance, and lace-ups or velcro fastening will usually give you more support than slip-ons.

 Eliminating risks

Prevent falls by avoiding unnecessary risks. Think carefully before doing anything that could put you at risk from falling. For example:

•  Don’t stand on unstable chairs or wobbly ladders to reach for things

• Get someone to help you if you need to change a light bulb, otherwise use a sturdy step stool

• Adapt your movements to maintain your balance

• Take your time getting up out of bed and from chairs – sit up slowly, then stand slowly – get your balance – then move away

• Always steady yourself by holding on to something secure when bending down or reaching up

• Think about placing items you use regularly in the kitchen or laundry in cupboards that don’t require bending or high reaching

• Secure any loose rugs and watch out for pets to ensure they do not cause you to trip or fall

   

Prevention – How do we help prevent falls?

Here at Remarkable Physios we have the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) which is an individually tailored exercise programme that is delivered in your home by one of our community physiotherapists.  Our physiotherapist will come to your home five or six times during the course of the year long programme. In between visits they will keep in contact by telephone.

The OEP consists of a series of leg strengthening and balance retraining exercises that get progressively more difficult as you get stronger. It also involves a walking plan.

You will need to be assessed and referred by a registered health professional to commence this exercise programme.

In order to get ACC funding for the Otago Exercise Programme you must:

• Be living independently in the community

• Have had a fall in the previous twelve months, or deemed to be at high risk of having a fall when assessed by a registered health professional

• Be referred by a registered health professional like your doctor, practice nurse or physiotherapist.

For more information on Falls Prevention visit  www.acc.co.nz