Did you know, in the last 12 months, almost 1 in 3 older Australians had a fall?
Did you know long-term aged care residents are 3 times more likely to fall than those in the community?
While many of us can have a fall, as we age our risk of falling increases.
Falls are reported to be the leading cause of injury in older Australians, with bruising, sprains, fractures, concussions, and hospitalisations being common after a fall. Even falls that don’t cause injury can create a fear of falling in older people, reducing confidence. For some, this may result in decreased activity levels and declining mobility, not only impacting independence and quality of life but also increasing the risk of another fall. In severe cases, this may lead to social isolation and depression.
To reduce the risk of falling we need to understand the common cause of falls, the potential consequences, and how we can prevent them. That’s where physiotherapy comes in. At Valens Care, we prioritize the health and safety of our patients which is why we focus on assessing and recognizing fall risks and putting treatments in place to prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury.
Ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones is essential. In many cases, falls can be avoided. Our Valens Care NDIS registered physiotherapists can work with you to create an individualised treatment plan. We aim to reduce your risk of falling while keeping you as active and independent as possible.
What Are The Common Causes Of Falls?
Older people are at the greatest risk of falls due to many factors, including:
Physical impairments- like, poor balance, deteriorated eyesight, reduced strength, slower reaction times, and mobility issues.
Cognitive impairment- may lead to disorientation and reduced judgment.
Medications- some can cause dizziness, confusion, or balance problems.
Environmental factors- including hazards in the home like loose or inappropriate footwear, slippery floors, cluttered walkways, worn carpets, and poor lighting.
Falls Prevention Physiotherapy
The physiotherapists at Valens Care are experts in balance, movement, and function. We employ several different strategies to keep you on your feet. We’ll work with you to address physical impairments, improve your mobility and balance and increase your confidence and independence.
The first step is a physiotherapy falls assessment to determine your level of falls risk. This is a comprehensive assessment of your physical abilities, your body, and your balance.
Next, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan to address any areas of weakness or impairment and other factors that may put you at risk. Your treatment plan will likely include:
- Falls prevention exercises, including strength and balance training exercises.
- Gait training.
- Risk management recommendations for modifications to your home environment (e.g. removal of trip hazards or installation of handrails).
- Education and advice on falls prevention strategies (e.g. use of assistive devices and safe exercise practices).
- Restoration of confidence to reduce falls anxiety and keep you moving, safely.
It should be mentioned that while we will do everything in our power to reduce your risk of falling as much as possible, you could still fall. This is why an extremely important component of falls prevention physiotherapy is teaching you how to look after yourself in the event you have a fall. This involves learning how to fall safely to minimise injury and teaching you how to get up if you were to fall. We work with you to give you the best chance to get yourself back up off the ground and we can also discuss strategies you might use to get help if you were unable to rise.
Falls prevention physiotherapy is not just for the elderly. A physiotherapy falls assessment would benefit you if you have:
- Balance difficulties.
- Declined mobility.
- Recently suffered a fracture.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Diabetes.
- Fallen in the past or are scared of falling.
- Numbness or reduced sensation in your legs or feet.
- Recently had or about to have joint replacement surgery.
The Valens Care Difference
At Valens Care, our physiotherapists are highly experienced in falls prevention physiotherapy. We believe our patients deserve a greater level of support than your traditional physio approach.
We don’t just take our clients ‘for a little walk’ and call it physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists provide proper assessment, hands-on manual therapy, and tailored exercises to improve mobility and help prevent falls.
Falls prevention is critical for our elderly loved ones. Taking proactive steps now can help to keep our loved ones living safely while enjoying their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
If you receive NDIS funding, you may be able to claim physiotherapy with Valens Care through your plan.
If you or a loved one are worried about falling, contact us to arrange physiotherapy to help regain mobility and strength.
* All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Valens Care can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
