Seniors’ Fall Prevention With Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the prevention and management of falls. Through strength and balance training and patient education, physiotherapy helps to ensure:
- Falls do not happen, and
- If they do happen, there is a quick recovery and return to function
Why Do Seniors Fall
There are many factors that affect a person’s risk of falling. In elderly people, falls are often caused by:
- Balance problems
- Long term medical conditions which may lead to temporary loss of consciousness such as heart disease
- Muscle weakness
- Vision loss or impairment
Oftentimes, falls in the elderly occur in the home – the majority of these falls happen in the bedroom or the living room. To try and better understand the reason for a fall, your Burnaby physiotherapist might ask you some of the following questions:
What is your age?
As mentioned above, falls risk increases with age. According to the WHO, 28-35% of the population over the age of 65 fall each year and this increases to 32-42% for people over the age of 70.
Do you have a history of falls?
A past history of a fall or “near misses” can indicate that a person is likely to fall again.
What is your current level of activity and do you use a walking aid?
Lower levels of mobility can lead to increased falls risk due to de-conditioning or reduced strength. Inappropriate walking aids or footwear can also result in falls.
What is your environment like at home?
Are there stairs at home and if so is there a railing? Are there loose rugs or other potential tripping hazards? By assessing your home environment, your physiotherapist in Burnaby can understand a bit more about things that could cause falls in your home.
Some additional falls risk factors to be aware of include:
- Factors such as slippery floors, dim lighting or uneven sidewalks
- Fear of falling
- Foot problems that cause pain, deformities or change in sensation
- Intoxication
- Side effects of medication
Consequences Of Falls In The Elderly
Falls are a leading cause of disability in the elderly. They can have lasting physical and psychological effects. Fractures, soft tissue injuries and increased anxiety relating to falls are examples of the prolonged impact falling can have. Evidence also shows that unintentional falls are a leading cause of death among the elderly.
Physical consequences
The most common type of injury as a result of a fall is a fracture – namely hip fractures. Wrist, arm and ankle fractures are also often a result of a fall. Hip fractures are particularly concerning as they often require surgery and can lead to long-term mobility issues.
Some other physical impacts of falls include bruising, swelling, ligament sprains and more seriously, head injuries. Healing times are longer in the older population so these injuries secondary to falls can be very detrimental to the health of the older person.
If someone is unable to stand up from a fall and are lying on the floor for a prolonged period (aka a “long-lie”) their outcomes significantly worsen. Serious complications that result from a long-lie include pressure sores, hypothermia and pneumonia.
Psychological consequences
After having a fall, many older adults develop a heightened fear of falling again. This fear can become pervasive, leading to anxiety and a reluctance to engage in activities that were once part of their routine. A fall can diminish an individual’s confidence in their physical abilities.
This loss of confidence can affect their willingness to participate in social or physical activities, which can further impact their mental well-being. Elderly individuals might avoid social gatherings or activities, leading to loneliness and a reduction in their social support network.
Social consequences
The combined effects of physical injury, pain, fear, and reduced social interaction can lead to an overall decrease in quality of life. This can lead to social isolation and an increase in frailty. Elderly individuals may need more help with daily tasks, which can shift the dynamics of relationships and place additional burdens on family members or caregivers.
Addressing these social consequences often involves encouraging social participation, providing support networks, and ensuring that the elderly person feels connected and valued despite their challenges.
Fall Prevention At Home In The Elderly
Exercise is a crucial element of an effective fall prevention strategy. Your North Burnaby physiotherapist is integral in providing the correct type and amount of exercise required to assist in preventing falls. Your physiotherapist may also offer guidance on home safety, footwear adjustments, and education about fall risks. When working with older adults who are at risk of falling, four primary physiotherapy objectives have been identified:
- Exercise interventions: Focus on improving mobility, balance, and strength
- Falls management: Teach patients how to get up from the floor, reduce the impact of “long-lies”, advise on calling for assistance and staying warm while waiting for help
- Enhancing home safety: Ensure that the living environment is safe and there are no environmental hazards
- Restoring confidence and self-esteem: Work on rebuilding confidence and self-esteem to enhance their overall quality of life
Strength and balance exercise examples:
- Calf raises
- Glute bridges
- Heel-to-toe walking
- Knee extensions
- Knee extensions
- Marching on the spot
- Squats
- Single leg stands
What To Do When An Elderly Person Has A Fall
Below is a strategy from Health Link BC to guide you into sitting after a fall. This is a useful strategy to practice, so that in the event of a fall you know what to do!
- Look for a chair or other piece of furniture that is close to you
- Roll onto your side and rest. Roll by turning your head in the direction you want to roll, move your shoulder and arm, then hip and leg in the same direction
- Lie still for a moment to let your blood pressure adjust
- Slowly push your upper body up, lift your head, and take a moment to rest
- Slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to the chair or other stable piece of furniture
- Put your hands on the chair
- Move one foot forward, and place it flat on the floor. Your other leg should be bent with the knee on the floor
- Rise slowly, turn your body, and sit in the chair. Stay seated for a bit and think about how you feel. Call for help. Even if you feel okay, let someone know what happened to you. You might not know that you have a serious injury
Learn More Tips On Preventing Falls In Seniors
Falls in the elderly are common. However, they are also preventable. With an assessment of a person’s falls risk and appropriately selected treatment, your Burnaby Heights physiotherapist helps to enhance the quality of life of older persons and maintain independence for as long as possible.
Preventing Seniors Falls With Your Physiotherapist
Phone 604-738-1168
FAQ
Q: What is the number one cause of falls in the elderly?
A: Seniors may fall due to a number of reasons, but some of the more common culprits include loss of muscle strength, difficulties with balance and walking and rapid changes in blood pressure
Q: How to help a senior who keeps falling?
A: Your physiotherapist can help by improving a senior’s balance and coordination. They can create a suitable exercise program to rebuild muscle mass and strength, and help improve a senior’s ability to walk
Q: What to do when seniors falls
A: One strategy to minimize the effects of falling is to practice lowering yourself either on your own or with someone else slowly and in a controlled manner. Next, practice getting up after a fall as well as visit with your physiotherapist to help you with any difficulties you may have getting back up
