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FALL PREVENTION:WAYS TO PREVENT FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS | The Physio Fix

 SCREENING FOR FALL RISK

As people age, the risk of sustaining a harmful fall increases significantly. Falls pose a severe threat to the health and well-being of older adults, often leading to certain types of injuries, decreased mobility, and reduced quality of life. It is therefore important to address this critical issue through that this critical issue be addressed through a versatile approach including both preventative measures and responsive care.

Older Adults-Our National Heroes


Falls are a result of multiple factors, both intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors.

THE INTRINSIC FACTORS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Decreased sensory system function
  • Decreased postural control and balance 
  • Increased reactions to single or multiple medications
  • Usage of certain types of drugs that cause delays in sensory system function
  • Muscle weakness
  • Visual changes
  • Chronic health conditions
THE EXTRINSIC FACTORS INCLUDE:
  • Environmental hazards
  • Use of defective safety devices
  • Social isolation 
  • Use of defective devices for mobility
Physical therapists are responsible for screening older adults for both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may cause increased risks of falls. 
The following things are taken into consideration to identify the high-risk individuals to decrease the chance of future falls:
  1. location of fall
  2. activity before fall
  3. loss of consciousness
  4. use of walking/mobility aids
  5. Environmental conditions ( such as snow, ice, slippery floor, oil or water on the floor,, etc.)
  6. injuries that resulted from the fall.
After performing the screening for falls, the Physical therapists are then responsible for determining whether the risk factors are modifiable or not.

Screening the older adults for fall risks includes:
  • Screening for vital signs
  • Screening for medications
  • Screening of sensory systems
  • Screening upright control and balance
  • Environmental factors

INTERVENTIONS FOR FALL PREVENTION

  • Identification of intrinsic factors that contribute to falls.
  • Identification of extrinsic factors that cause falls.
  • Medications must be taken only with the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.
  • Improving the physical fitness of older adults through certain exercises.
  • Educating the family members about the risk factors.
  • To address any other factors that could contribute to falls.

10 BEST WAYS TO PREVENT FALLS

  1. Promoting physical fitness of older adults through different exercise programs such as aerobic exercises, resistance training, and dynamic weight-bearing exercises including dance, t'ai chi, tennis,, or water exercise.
  2. Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet.
  3. For individuals with vision problems, regular visual screening is advisable. Visual aids must be used along with non-glare surfaces on walls, floors,, and stairs as glare-free lighting enables a better view of walking.
  4. They should be cautioned about venturing onto surfaces, such as freshly cleaned floors.
  5. Individuals with untreated hypotension are at greater risk of falls due to orthostatic hypotension. They must be screened and treated for it right away.
  6. The promotion of mental fitness along with physical fitness is highly important. Meditations, breathing exercises,, and various psychological therapies can play a significant role in promoting mental health and well-being.
  7. Social engagement can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions which contribute to falls.
  8. For diabetic patients, it is necessary to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to reduce the risk of falls as extremely high or low blood sugar levels can lead to visual problems, foot ulcers, and many other complications which can significantly increase the risk of falls.
  9. Individuals with osteoporosis are advised to perform weight-bearing and balance-improving exercises along with pharmacological treatment.
  10. Installation of grab bars, non-slip flooring, and elimination of all potential tripping hazards is highly advisable.
Aerobic exercise ( water exercises)


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