Falls Prevention

Falls can cause fractures, head injuries, bruising and a fear of falling resulting in loss of confidence. They may be an indicator of deteriorating health. A third of people aged over 65 will fall at least once per year.

There are a number of factors that contribute to your risk of falling as you grow older, including:

• Weakening muscles and stiffening joints
  
• Medical illness such as infections
  
• Medication side effects, especially if you are taking 5 or more medicines
  
• Vision or foot problems, including poor footwear
  
• Poor diet or not drinking enough fluids
  
• Balance or cognitive problems
  
• Not doing enough physical activity
  
• Trip hazards such as rugs, poor lighting or uneven surfaces.

A falls assessment includes looking at all the issues that increase the risk of you falling and putting in place a tailored plan to reduce your risk of future falls.

This may involve referral to a physiotherapist for strength and balance training, an occupational therapist to improve home safety, diet and medication review, osteoporosis prevention and treatment and education on what to do if you fall.

Useful links:
www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au
www.exerciseright.com.au