Neuro Café 22nd September 2022 by Linda S
Last week was Falls Awareness week. In today’s Neuro Café we looked at the campaign's resources and discussed preventative measures and advice.
Why do falls occur?
Our bodies are intricate and our ability to remain upright depends on a complex range of systems working together.
Our eyesight, hearing, muscle strength and balance are some of the body’s functions that keep us standing but there are external factors that can impact us including, medication, infections, poor footwear and environmental hazards.
Illness can increase the risks of falls, as can strokes, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis.
There are lots of things you can do to improve your movement, strength, balance and confidence.
Preventative Action
Falls are not a normal consequence of ageing. We don't have to 'just accept it'!
Falls prevention is a team effort. You can discuss this with health care providers such as Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, GP's, nurses, neurologists, carers, pharmacists and gym instructors.
Think about your home environment, could you make any changes to reduce risk? Can you do any of the following...
De clutter
Lift the rugs
Improve lighting (consider a night light if you need to get up in the middle of the night)
Ensure floors are not slippery
Get good, secure footwear
Get a non slip bath or shower mat
Postural Drop. You can check that your blood pressure does not drop when moving from lying, sitting, standing.
Check medications with pharmacist or GP
Strength and balance exercises. Either independently or in classes, such as LEGS.
Get a sight test to check your vision is as it should be.
Involve family and friends. They can help you check your home for risks and hazards or help you declutter.
Take the National centre of ageing (NCOA's) Falls free check up. To check your risk and next step advice
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