#falls prevention

[nishaserisha]

did you know your ears help you balance too?

hearing loss isn't just about missing bits of conversation. research shows it's also linked to falling more often, even after accounting for age and eyesight.

the inner ear does two jobs, hearing and balance, and they share nerve pathways. when hearing declines, the brain also loses spatial cues from sound, like knowing where a car is before you see it.

there's also a cognitive load thing happening. when your brain works harder to process unclear sound, there's less mental energy left for balance and quick reactions. some researchers describe it as two demanding tasks running off one battery.

studies have found even mild hearing loss comes with a noticeably higher falls risk. and falls aren't small, they're a leading cause of hospital visits and lost independence for older adults.

worth doing:

get hearing checked regularly past 60

treat hearing loss early instead of waiting

pair it with balance and strength exercises

be extra careful in dim or uneven spaces

some clinics, like candid hearing, now offer vestibular and balance testing alongside hearing checks, which says a lot about how connected these two systems really are.

[physiocareandrehab]

Occupational Therapy for Seniors in Melbourne | Supporting Safe & Independent Living at Home

Discover how Occupational Therapy helps seniors maintain independence, improve safety, prevent falls, and continue living comfortably at hom

[physiocaresblog]

Occupational Therapy for Seniors in Melbourne | Supporting Safe & Independent Living at Home

Discover how Occupational Therapy helps seniors maintain independence, improve safety, prevent falls, and continue living comfortably at hom

[wausaupilotreview]

Practical strategies and home-based care keep seniors living confidently in their own homes.

Falls prevention: Helping older adults stay safe, independent

[drchristophedelongsblog]

While falls while walking give rise to fears of impact, those that occur at night highlight another vital danger: the inability to get up again.

A crucial point concerning the consequences of falls in the elderly.

1. night-time falls and the problem of getting up: night-time falls, which are often linked to wandering around in semi-darkness or darkness, drowsiness or urgent urination, may result from tripping or slipping. The major risk in this context is often less the initial impact (although this is always present and potentially serious) than the difficulty in getting up unaided and the time spent on the ground. An elderly person who falls at night is more likely to remain on the ground for a long time before being discovered, which, as we have seen, leads to increased risks of dehydration, hypothermia, bedsores and rhabdomyolysis, and can aggravate the initial injuries or even be fatal.

2.Daytime falls while walking in the street and kinetics/fractures: Falls that occur while walking, especially outdoors , can involve greater kinetics and impact on hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete), which can potentially increase the energy transmitted to the body and, consequently, the risk of fractures, particularly of the limbs. The manner of the fall (attempt to catch oneself, direct impact) also has a major influence on the type and severity of injuries.

If we learned to get up again, wouldn't a fall at night be "less serious"?

Learning to get up after a fall is an essential skill that can considerably reduce the severity of the consequences of a fall, particularly a fall at night or a fall where the person is alone. Being able to get up enables you to

- shorten the time spent on the ground, thereby avoiding the serious complications associated with long periods on the ground (dehydration, hypothermia, bedsores, rhabdomyolysis);

- limit the feeling of panic and fear of falling again that can set in after a fall, especially if the person remains helpless on the ground; - retain a degree of independence and self-confidence. So for a fall where the initial impact has not caused any immediate major injury (such as an obvious fracture or severe head injury), the ability to get up unaided can transform a potentially very serious situation into an event with fewer consequences.

However :

- Getting up does not prevent the initial injury:

- Learning to get up does not, of course, prevent a fracture or head injury, which may occur at the very moment of impact of the fall.

- The ability to get up depends on a number of factors: pain, muscle weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness or persistent dizziness, coordination problems may prevent a person, even a trained person, from getting up.

- However, it is surprising to find that simply being told what to do to sit up on the floor and then on the bed (turning over, slow use of hands and limbs, rebalancing the trunk) often enables an elderly person to get up, especially if they have been taught the techniques.

In conclusion, learning to stand up is an integral part of tertiary falls prevention (aimed at reducing the consequences after a fall) and is particularly crucial for people at risk of night-time falls or those living alone. It is not a substitute for primary prevention (avoiding the fall) and secondary prevention (reducing the severity of the fall through planning, improving balance, etc.),but it is a vital skill for minimising the harmful consequences if a fall nevertheless occurs.

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[drchristophedelongsblog]

Physiotherapy in geriatrics: an asset for the well-being of seniors

Natural ageing leads to physiological changes that can affect the mobility, strength and balance of the elderly. Physiotherapy is therefore an invaluable ally in preserving independence and improving quality of life.

What are the aims of physiotherapy in geriatrics?

Physiotherapy in geriatrics has a number of main objectives:

- Maintain or improve independence: By strengthening muscles and improving balance and coordination, physiotherapy enables the elderly to carry out everyday activities more safely and effectively.

- Prevent falls: Falls are a major source of injury among the elderly. Physiotherapy helps to reduce this risk by strengthening muscles and improving balance.

- Relieving pain: Many age-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis or back pain, can be sources of chronic pain. Physiotherapy uses a range of techniques to relieve pain and improve comfort.

- Improving quality of life: By increasing mobility and reducing pain, physiotherapy promotes physical and psychological well-being, encouraging active participation in social life.

 What techniques are used in geriatric physiotherapy?

The techniques used are adapted to each person and their specific needs:

- Therapeutic exercises: These can be performed in a seated, standing or lying position, and focus on different muscle groups.

- Passive and active mobility: These techniques help to maintain or restore the range of movement of the joints.

- Postural re-education: This aims to correct poor posture and improve body alignment.

- Manual techniques: Massages, gentle manipulations, etc., to relax muscles and tissues.

- Electrostimulation: This strengthens weak muscles and stimulates blood circulation.

- Hydrotherapy: Exercises performed in a swimming pool are particularly useful for people suffering from joint pain, as the water relieves pressure on the joints and facilitates movement.

What disorders can be treated by physiotherapy in geriatrics?

Physiotherapy in geriatrics is used to treat a wide range of disorders:

- Musculoskeletal disorders: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, tendonitis, etc.

- Neurological disorders: stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.

- Cardiovascular disorders: Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction or heart surgery.

- Loss of independence: Difficulty getting out of bed, walking, washing, etc.

- Prevention of falls

 The importance of comprehensive care

Physiotherapists work in close collaboration with other health professionals (doctors, occupational therapists, etc.) to offer comprehensive, personalised care. They can also advise on home improvements and technical aids.

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[drchristophedelongsblog]

Walking disorders in the elderly: causes, consequences and solutions

Walking, a seemingly simple act, requires complex coordination of many of the body's systems. With age, these systems can deteriorate, leading to gait disorders that significantly affect the quality of life and independence of the elderly.

What causes walking problems in the elderly?

There are many causes of walking problems, which may be linked to neurological, musculoskeletal or sensory factors, or to systemic diseases.

- Neurological factors :

o Parkinson's disease: stiffness, tremors, characteristic gait.

o Cerebrovascular accident (CVA): weakness on one side of the body, balance problems.

o Multiple sclerosis: fatigue, sensitivity problems, spasms.

o Other neurodegenerative diseases: such as Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body dementia.

- Musculoskeletal factors:

o Osteoarthritis: wear and tear on the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.

o Fractures: particularly of the neck of the femur, which can lead to a fear of falling and a change in gait.

o Muscular weakness: due to physical inactivity or certain illnesses.

- Sensory factors :

o Vision problems: difficulty assessing distances and finding one's bearings in space.

o Hearing problems: can affect balance.

- Other factors:

o Medication: some medicines can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

o Heart disease: can cause rapid fatigue during exercise.

o Chronic pain: can restrict mobility.

What are the consequences of walking difficulties?

Gait disorders have many consequences and can have a significant impact on quality of life:

- Loss of independence: difficulty getting around on one's own and carrying out activities of daily living.

- Increased risk of falls: with potentially serious consequences such as fractures, head injuries and loss of independence.

- Social isolation: fear of falling, difficulty leaving the house.

- Cognitive decline: walking problems may be associated with cognitive decline.

- Reduced quality of life: loss of pleasure, depression.

 How can gait disorders be prevented and treated?

Treating walking problems requires a multidisciplinary approach:

- Early diagnosis: It is essential to consult a doctor to establish a precise diagnosis and identify the underlying causes.

- Treatment of underlying diseases: It is essential to treat the illnesses that cause gait problems.

- Physiotherapy: Specific exercises are used to improve muscle strength, balance and coordination.

- Orthoses: Technical aids such as canes, walkers or foot orthoses can make walking easier.

- Adapting the environment: Removing obstacles, installing grab rails, improving lighting.

- Pharmacology: Certain drugs can be prescribed to relieve pain or treat associated illnesses.

- Preventing falls: Assessing the risk of falls at home and implementing preventive measures.

How can walking problems be prevented?

To prevent or delay the onset of walking problems, it is recommended that you adopt a healthy lifestyle:

- Regular physical activity: adapted to each individual and practised on a regular basis.

- Balanced diet: to maintain good overall health.

- Regular medical check-ups: to detect illnesses and treat them promptly.

- Maintain a healthy weight.

- Treat vision and hearing problems.

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[redswrap]

This Week in Falls Prevention Class

I am taking a falls prevention class. There are six students, an instructor, and an assistant. We talk about falling risks, how to make our houses safer, how to get up after a fall, and how to maneuver the world without crashing and breaking everything, not the least of which are our bones. Falls can put you into no man’s land, I know that much for sure. At the end of the table, on the other…

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