Falls don’t ‘just happen’ and become more common and consequential as we age.

Falls are Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalisation and injury related death representing 43% of injury hospitalisation and 42% of injury deaths¹^.

In Australia, 30% of adults aged 65 and over will experience at least one fall a year. This age group were more likely to be hospitalised or die from a fall compared with other life-stages. This data is informed by our older Australians that present to hospital with an injurious fall.

Unfortunately, the other ‘falls, slips and trips’ that happen at home are not always reported due to

Fear of reporting
Fear of losing independence
Fear of institutional care
Lack of confidence

Most hospitalised falls occur in the home and it’s up to the individual – their family and supports to assist. The good news is fall CAN be PREVENTED.

Empower Multidisciplinary Team can help with

Improving confidence
Participation in balance and mobility exercises
Falls prevention assessment and interventions
Gait, balance and functional training
Strength and Balance Exercise
Multifactorial interventions
Home safety assessment & modifications
Foot health
Medication reviews
Continence
Dizziness and vertigo

Physiotherapists help with – Keeping Active, Strong and Independent²

Aerobic Physical Activity
Muscle Strengthening
Functional balance and strength training
Replacing sedentary time with more physical activity

OTs help with – Living safely and independently at home and in the community

Comprehensive clinical assessment
Hazard assessment
Hazard removal
Adaptive equipment
Task modification
Education
Shared decision making
Awareness raising

How we can help?

The FROP (Falls Risk for Older People) is a useful resource flow chart to guide what we can do to prevent falls.

Get in touch if you think you or the person you care for would benefit from a Falls assessment or assistance.

RESOURCES

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)- Falls in older Australians aged 65 and over 2019-2020. Link: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/falls

World Health Organisation WHO: Guidelines on Physical Activity and sedentary behaviour (2020). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
NSW Ministry of Health – CEC website (Clinical Excellence Commission) https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/286700/CEC-Fall-Prevention-Flow-Chart-for-Community-Care-July-2015.pdf
Falls Prevention Resources: NSW Government, Clinical Excellence Commission Fall prevention – Clinical Excellence Commission (nsw.gov.au)

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Foot problems are a leading cause of falls. Research shows that good podiatric care can significantly reduce the rate of falls for people living at home.

Falls are a major cause of injury with 43% of hospitalisation caused by falls and over half of all fall injuries involve a fracture. Reduced sensation, circulation and strength in the feet and lower legs can increase the risk of falling for people who may otherwise be living independent and comfortable lives on their own terms.

If these problems are accompanied by pain, everyday tasks and movement may become unmanageable, negatively affecting quality of life. Common foot conditions that can contribute to a fall include arthritis, heel pain, weakness, toe deformity, and decreased range of motion in the joints of the foot.

Podiatrist can help by
• Assessing the feet and legs of people who have a history of foot problems or falls.
• Conducting specific neurovascular foot assessments.
• Providing advice and recommendations for appropriate and well-fitting shoes.
• Implementing effective pain management strategies.
• Prescribing foot and ankle strengthening exercises.
• Providing complete toenail care.
• Introducing aids and tools to promote independence in safely tying shoelaces and putting on socks and hosiery.
• Providing comprehensive diabetic foot care.

Our Podiatrist also work with people on foot self-care where possible for the management of common foot conditions. By treating the causes of falling, Empower Podiatrist can help keep people on their feet.

Tag Archives: falls

Community, Multi Disciplinary Team, Occupational Therapy

FALLS PREVENTION: falls don’t ‘just happen’ to older people

Falls don’t ‘just happen’ and become more common and consequential as we age.

Falls are Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalisation and injury related death representing 43% of injury hospitalisation and 42% of injury deaths¹^.

In Australia, 30% of adults aged 65 and over will experience at least one fall a year. This age group were more likely to be hospitalised or die from a fall compared with other life-stages. This data is informed by our older Australians that present to hospital with an injurious fall.

How we can help?

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

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Announcements, Foot Care, Podiatry, Residential Aged Care

Falls can be caused by foot problems – Podiatry has the solutions

Foot problems are a leading cause of falls. Research shows that good podiatric care can significantly reduce the rate of falls for people living at home.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Podiatry Services

Falls don’t ‘just happen’ and become more common and consequential as we age.

Falls are Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalisation and injury related death representing 43% of injury hospitalisation and 42% of injury deaths​1.

In Australia, 30% of adults aged 65 and over will experience at least one fall a year. This age group were more likely to be hospitalised or die from a fall compared with other life-stages.​ This data is informed by our older Australians that present to hospital with an injurious fall​.

How we can help?

Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services

MORE BLOGS

Foot problems are a leading cause of falls. Research shows that good podiatric care can significantly reduce the rate of falls for people living at home.

How To Get Clients Started With Our Podiatry Services

Falls are Australia’s number one cause of injury hospitalisation and injury related death representing 43% of injury hospitalisation and 42% of injury deaths¹^.

In Australia, 30% of adults aged 65 and over will experience at least one fall a year. This age group were more likely to be hospitalised or die from a fall compared with other life-stages. This data is informed by our older Australians that present to hospital with an injurious fall.