MSSANT Network Magazine Winter 16

Reducing the risk of falls
Sandra Wallace, Occupational Therapist
Workplace
Solutions
The statistics on falls is not too great. Up to 75% of people
with MS report balance problems and 60% reported a fall
in a six-month period. When we add age group to the falls
data we learn that one in three people over the age of 65
experience a fall at home every year! The good news is that
most falls can be prevented.
People generally do not like to admit to having falls and do
not consider a near miss, or sliding gracefully to the floor,
as a fall.
We can group risk factors into biological, behavioural and
environmental risks.
Biological risk factors: Walking and balance is only part of
the biological risk picture. Fatigue, heat intolerance, visual
changes, reduced sensation in feet, cognition changes (ways
the brain processes information), continence urgency, and
medications with various problematic side effects can have
equally significant effect. Symptoms need to have good
management strategies.
Behavioural risk factors: Muscles become deconditioned
with decreased activity, resulting in loss of muscle tone,
weakness and/or poor posture. Fear of falling can be
positive when it increases care taken but can also be
negative when it leads to reduction in or withdrawal from
activity. Activity is essential in maintaining overall wellbeing.
Environmental risk factors: Typically, we need to consider
trip hazards such as obstacles on the floor, wet and slippery
floors, poor lighting and uneven floor surfaces. Footwear is
important; loose shoes are a trip hazard. Assess and make
the necessary changes.
Falls can result in serious injury. Managing falls involves
reviewing each of the risk factors and putting strategies in
place where needed. MS Society staff have some good falls
risk assessments to target effective strategies.
If you are having falls or near misses, or are gracefully
sliding to the floor, I encourage you to speak with an
OT or physiotherapist. Strategies can be discussed to
reduce your risk of a fall that may well result in injury
or harm.
Do you know someone whose health impacts on their
work or whose work impacts on their health?
Multiple Solutions offers the Workplace Solutions program
which specifically provides workplace support for those
living with a health condition or injury, are already employed
for at least eight hours per week and who wish to sustain
their existing employment. This includes the self-employed
and support can include:
• funding workplace aids, equipment or modifications for
various occupations via the Employment Assistance Fund;
• educating and negotiating employment conditions
including graduated return to work, reasonable
accommodations and adjustments; and
• helping to develop strategies to preserve energy and
continue working successfully.
The Employment Assistance Fund is available via Job
Access and can be accessed by employers, employees or
disability employment service providers to purchase:
• specific equipment or modifications for an individual
working with a permanent health condition/injury/disability
(including a funded worksite assessment by an accredited
occupational therapist);
• AUSLAN interpreters; and
• disability awareness training including mental
health awareness.
More information can be found via jobaccess.gov.au or by
contacting Multiple Solutions.
Contact Multiple Solutions staff to ask about free
workplace support or to have a staff member visit
you to talk to you and your team about accessing this
funding and support.
• North – Tel: 8203 6600
• South – Tel: 8198 1400
• Email: wpsolutions@ms.asn.au
My support
journey
My journey of amazing help
and support from Multiple
Solutions started when I
broke my foot last July.
I had to keep my entire
weight off the foot until
I had a proper cast on
it and because of my MS symptoms of really
wobbly and weak legs, I could not possibly use crutches.
So I reached out to the Society for a wheelchair. This was
delivered by Wayne the very next day, much to my surprise
and huge gratification. What a relief to have a chair to sit
and move around in. I was using my walker to start with,
sitting on it and pushing myself up and down the passage
backwards which was a wee bit dangerous. I spoke with
Michele from Multiple Solutions about a light weight walker
before going back to work. I knew I would have to return
with my moonboot and lifting a walker in and out of the
car was going to be tricky with wobbly legs and a boot on.
Michele suggested, that if it suited me, to meet with her
and have her come out to my workplace to see if there was
anything that she could do to assist me.
That’s when the help really begun! My workplace was
surveyed and an occupational therapist was brought in
to offer advice and suggestions as well. I found myself
being offered so much, from chairs to lightweight walker,
railings, scooter and back support, to doors around the
workplace being upgraded for easier access. Gosh,
the list just goes on!
I have had a few appointments with Michele since and she
rings regularly to keep in touch with me. She has been so
lovely to chat to, so friendly, cannot do enough for me and
has given me the courage to speak out and ask for help.
I feel so privileged to have had so much support from her
through Multiple Solutions!
What can I say besides a huge thank you! Michele,
you’re a gem!
Laine Woodcroft
14 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 15