10/03/2025
FALLS
Have you or someone you care about had a fall in the last 12 months? Did you know that falling is NOT a normal part of aging?
So what is a fall? NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) defines a fall as "an event which causes a person to, unintentionally, rest on the ground or other lower level."
Anyone who has had a fall can feel shaken and anxious, quickly losing confidence in their own abilities. This can lead to changes in the choices we make. We may avoid certain tasks or places, we may chose to sit down to do things and this may lead to an ever increasing sedentary lifestyle.
Falls are multi-factorial, meaning there are many things that influence whether we fall or not. Things that can lead to a fall are called risk factors. The medications we take, acute illness, hearing and visual changes, anxiety and fear of falling, pain, weakness and muscle imbalance are some of the risk factors but the list is long!
Many of these issues, when reviewed and addressed by a professional, could reduce the risks of falling and sustaining an injury.
Tips for falls prevention:
1. Firstly, if you have fallen talk to your GP! Get a check up. A simple medications review, ensuring you are only taking what you really need, could reduce your risk.
2. Consider asking for a referral to a rehabilitation service that can assess all the possible physical and environmental reasons for the fall and provide you with a tailor-made programme to improve your strength and confidence!
3. Don't ignore a fall.
Don't be ashamed to tell others you've fallen. Talking to others can reduce the stigma and get you the help you need!
For more information check out this link from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
https://www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/keeping-active-and-healthy/staying-healthy-you-age/staying-strong-you-age/strength
If you would like to talk about falling or fear of falling please reach out. It's never too late to take action!
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