The risk of falling among seniors is a real source of concern, and rightly so, about 33% of people aged 65 and over living at home have already fallen. Falls are unfortunately a trigger leading to an early placement accommodation. Yet many available means of prevention exist and can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Here are some prevention tips you should follow:
There are three main categories of factors when it comes to falling:
In general, factors related to the individual and the environment are easier to control and improve. Concerning fall prevention, physiotherapists work more on the balance and on strengthening the lower limbs of each individual.
In terms of behavioral factors, teamwork is essential to target situations that make those at risk of falling and make them aware of their limits.
The fall of a person can cause a range of direct and indirect consequences. These main consequences are listed here:
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Of all the possible types of consequences, fear of falling is probably the most damaging. Indeed, the fear caused by the first fall often leads to a significant decrease in physical and social activities. This reduction in activities usually generates a deteriorating physical condition and psychological health can lead to other health problems.
Among those 65 and older, 10 to 15% of falls are considered serious. Every year in Ontario, these falls represent about 16,000 hospitalizations. Among all of injurious falls, 70% occur at home.
Several methods have been proven to prevent the risk of a first fall or to minimize the chance of recurrence after the first incident.
Each year, many older people are injured by falling. Physiotherapy stakeholders play an essential role by providing targeted interventions and providing relevant information to our seniors and their families. These interventions help maintain the independence of older people and extend their life at home. For its part, the family has a motivational role in rehabilitation.
