The natural changes that happen as our bodies’ age increase the likelihood of falls and associated injuries. But there is good news, as many falls are preventable and the injuries sustained from falls can be greatly minimised. We’ve compiled some useful information to help you with preventing falls.

Walking Aids

There is a range of equipment available to help prevent falls from occurring and to reduce the severity of resulting injuries. These include shower rails, hip protectors, slings, shower chairs, walking frames and walkers. Using a walking aid can increase your steadiness and your confidence to walk. It is important that walking aids are properly adjusted specifically for you, and that they are properly maintained by replacing worn stoppers. Always remember to choose comfortable, firm-fitting, flat shoes with a low broad heel and soles that grip and not to wear poorly fitted slippers or walk in socks.

Exercise and Physiotherapy

Inactive or unfit people tend to have poorer balance and weaker muscles, which can lead to them being unsteady when walking. It is common for people who feel unsteady or who suffer from back pain to do less walking. However, over time this makes you more likely to fall, as your muscles get weaker, your joints stiffer and your balance worsens. There is evidence that exercise performance can prevent falls. Try activities such as Tai Chi, dancing or exercise physiotherapy that includes balance and muscle strengthening. Aim Physiotherapy and Work Health Solutions run tailored fall-prevention exercise classes! Talk to a physiotherapist about attending these sessions or about the balance and strengthening exercises or activities to best suit you, and how to manage any pain you might have.

Medications

Medicines affect different people in different ways. Some medicines such as anti-depressants and those to aid sleeping can create feelings of dizziness or light-headedness. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned or have felt any side effects such as these, especially if you are just starting a new medicine. Your doctor can then review your medicines to see if changes are needed to ensure your health and safety.

Vision

Remember to have your eyesight and glasses checked by an optometrist at least once every two years and yearly by your doctor. Keep your glasses clean and always wear the correct glasses – reading glasses are for reading and distance glasses are for walking around. Take extra care on steps if you wear bifocals or multi-focal glasses as these can make it difficult to judge where step.

At Home

To prevent falls at home, make obstacles or hazards stand out. For example: Remove clutter, rugs and electrical cords that present trip hazards; highlight the edges of steps with brightly coloured tape or paint; Have furniture a contrasting colour to the walls and floor to avoid knocking into corners or tripping. It also helps to increase the amount of light in your home, particularly in frequently used areas and at night. Don’t forget to turn lights on before you walk around or install night lights using low energy light globes will help to keep the power cost down.

If you or a loved one has concerns about falls, injuries or how to prevent them, speak to your physiotherapist or doctor today for more advice and information.