Pittwater Life May 2018 Issue

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Balanced approach
to falls prevention
We all ‘trip up’ when getting around sometimes,
and many of us have experienced
a tumble, recovered from the episode
quickly, and – apart for some initial embarrassment
– not thought too much about it.
However, what many of us fail to recognise is
how serious a trip and a fall could be – especially
as we age.
The research paints a
grim picture: falls are the
second leading cause of
accidental or unintentional
injury deaths worldwide.
One in three elderly people
in Australia fall every
year and it is expected this
statistic will only increase
as the population ages.
Ten years ago, two
thirds of our population
aged 65 and over who had
a fall sustained at least
one fracture and in the same period (2007-2008),
16,868 of elderly falls resulted in hip fractures
and a hospital admission.
Physiotherapist Jessica Osorno Caro from Avalon
Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates explained
that as we age our reaction time and leg strength
dramatically diminish, which in turn affects
our balance and ability to negotiate obstacles,
thereby increasing our risk of falls.
“There are other factors too which may result
in an increased risk of falling including a decrease
in visual and hearing abilities, the intake
of multiple medications and certain health conditions,”
Jessica added.
Injuries from falls reduce mobility by decreasing
confidence, activity levels, independence and
can have an effect on community participation.
“Often patients don’t regain their ability to live
in their own homes and are admitted into aged
care,” she said.
Research shows an appropriate program with
leg strength, tailored balance tasks and education
makes a big impact in reducing falls.
The good news is you are never too old to
learn how to help stay on your feet and Jessica
will soon be offering evidence-based balance
and falls prevention classes in Avalon to show
you how.
“The strongest
predictors of falls are
abnormalities of the
walking pattern and abnormalities
of balance,”
Jessica said.
“As people with reduced
or impaired physical
function are more
likely to fall, an appropriate
exercise program is
important to reduce this
risk of falling,” she said.
Originally from Colombia,
Jessica has lived in Australia for a decade
– her interest in balance and falls prevention was
sparked when completing her Masters of Physiotherapy
at Sydney University.
Since joining the team at Avalon Physiotherapy
and Clinical Pilates, Jessica identified a need for
falls prevention classes locally, as the nearest
option for people with balance difficulties living
north of the bends was in Mona Vale.
Clients will be assessed and placed into classes
structured with a warm-up, lower limb (legs)
strength exercises and balance specific exercises.
“The level of difficulty of each of the exercises
will depend upon the level of physical and mental
ability of the attendees and the medical conditions
they are dealing with.”
Additionally, the classes will have an educational
component covering falls prevention issues
such as environmental factors.
– Lisa Offord
Home
Hazards
Most falls in people over
the age of 65 happen
around the home. Here are
some simple things you
can do to make your home
safer.
Floors: Secure rugs or
remove them. Have nonslip
floors and remove
clutter and cords from
walkways. Mark any
changes in floor surfaces
and levels in your home
with high contrast tape.
Bathroom: Install grab rails
in the bath and shower
and next to the toilet if
necessary. Use non-slip
mats.
Kitchen: Mop up spills
straight away. Get help to
rearrange cupboards and
shelves so there’s no need
to reach or climb to access
things stored up high.
Lighting: Use adequate
lighting in all rooms and
near steps and stairs and
ensure light switches are
in easy to reach places.
Use plug-in nightlights and
have movement sensitive
lights in hallways, near
stairs and between the
bedroom and bathroom.
Steps and stairs: Mark
edges of steps clearly. Use
slip resistant strips and
install (and use) handrails.
Garden: Make sure paths
are even and free of moss.
Pack away tools and take
care when using the hose.
50 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991