FALL PREVENTION

Each year our trending analysis shows that falls are the major incident and cause of hospitalisation. This year the trend continues and is increasing.

The Clinical Excellence Commission, 2023, have produced an article on the importance of fall prevention and please see their information below.

Falls in older age pose a significant challenge that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts. Each day over 100 people aged over 65 years are admitted to NSW hospitals after a fall.

There is evidence that exercise prevents falls in the community and in aged care settings. It is recommended that all older people engage in ongoing exercise targeting balance and mobility, which may include strength training. These exercise programs should be undertaken two to three hours per week and should be ongoing. It is advisable for these programs to be designed and delivered by a health professional or appropriately trained instructor

What can someone do to lower the chance of a fall?

Preventative measures include:

• tailored exercise interventions from physiotherapists and exercise physiologists.

• home safety interventions tailored to fall prevention from occupational therapists.

• cataract surgery when indicated.

• vision assessment and careful prescription of glasses.

• podiatry services for those with foot pain.

• fall prevention education to support behaviour change, such as the Stepping On program.

• medication reviews by pharmacists and/or General Practitioner.

• strategies to address concerns about falling, anxiety, and depression.

There are many reasons why a person might fall.

• Mobility, strength and balance
  A person might not have enough strength or balance or be able to react quickly to things around them. Special exercise programs may help. A doctor can review a person’s medicines. Sometimes medicines or a combination of medicines can impair one’s balance.

• The environment
  Removing trip hazards, improving lighting or changing poor-fitting shoes can help.

• State of mind
  A person who cannot think clearly has a higher chance of a fall. Awareness of the risk of falls is also important. A person can lower the chance of a fall by changing the way they go about their daily activities. Avoiding daily activities is not necessarily a good idea. It can mean a person loses the ability to do the activity and may end up increasing the chance of a fall.

Information obtained from a NSW Government paper titled Fall Prevention in NSW / White Paper 2023. © Copyright – Clinical Excellence Commission for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales.

Speak with your GP and Care Coordinator to discuss any concerns you may have and to implement a falls prevention program. Find an exercise program near you by clicking on this link or ask your Care Coordinator to help    

Sydney NSW www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

Queensland www.health.qld.gov.au/stayonyourfeet