Falls Prevention
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Falls related injuries are increasingly common, and can lead to serious consequences including disability, loss of independence and death. Did you know 30% of adults aged 65+ experience falls? Many people brush these off as “no big deal”, especially if they feel okay after the fall. Falls, even just one, are not something that should be ignored. As with many things in life, ignoring the issue doesn’t make it better, and in this case, can have serious consequences. As we age, a number of factors put us at increased risk of falling, and though we can’t control all of them, there are things we can do to reduce the risk. Our team of therapists can help you reduce your risk and avoid the consequences of falls! |
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What is Falls Prevention?
Falls prevention focuses on addressing the risk factors that contribute to falls such as balance, strength and coordination.
An essential part of prevention is identifying an individual’s risk factors and level of risk - low, moderate, or high.
Once an individual’s risk is identified, an individualized program is developed to best meet their needs.
Our physiotherapists have developed a falls risk assessment and treatment protocols based on the very first World Guidelines on Falls Preventions (September 2022).
Read our blog on Falls Prevention to learn more about risk factors and categories for risk.
What Does a Falls Prevention Program Help With?
It’s all in the name!
Falls prevention keeps you on your feet, improves your balance & confidence and reduces the risk of falls. Preventing falls also means preventing the injuries and consequences that happen as a result of falls.
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Will Falls Prevention Help Me?
Yes!
And it is never to early or late to start. Physiotherapy will help you improve your balance and confidence and reduce your risk of falls, and avoid the complications from falls.
Meet our Physiotherapists Who Provide Falls Prevention Programming
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| BOOK WITH LESLEY | BOOK WITH ALLY | |
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| BOOK WITH DAVID | BOOK WITH MIRIAM | |
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| BOOK WITH NATALIE | BOOK WITH WENDY |
What Does a Falls Prevention Program Look Like?
At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment which will include your health history, current medications, falls history and have you perform a few physical tests that assess gait, balance, and strength.
Your physiotherapist will use this information to develop a plan of care, which will be exercise and movement based, to help reduce your risk of falls.
Your program will include:
- Balance training
- Strengthening
Your plan may include sessions with our Kinesiologist!
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What Are The Benefits of Falls Prevention?
Decrease risk of falls and their consequences
Improve balance & confidence
Maintain independence
Frequently Asked Questions About Falls Prevention
What causes frequent falls in elderly?
| There is no singular cause of falls. Health conditions, medications, deconditioning, decreased strength and balance, vision impairment, loss of sensation in the feet, fear of falling, and more can all contribute to falls. This is why a comprehensive assessment of an individuals risk factors is a key step in developing an individualized falls prevention program. |
What reduces the risk of falls?
| There's lots that can be done to reduce the risk of falls! An individuals risk factors such as medications and health conditions need to be considered. An exercise program that improves strength and balance will help reduce the risk of a fall, as well as improve the individuals confidence and reduce their fear of falling. |
What is the most common complication of falls in elderly?
| Fractures are the most common injury after a fall. Fractures are serious and can lead to more serious complications, which is one of the reasons falls prevention is so important! |
