It has been noted that falls account for an increase in mortality and mobility in the older adult. It has been said that approximately 30-40% of people >65 years of age fall at least 1 time a year.1,2 Medical costs for fatal and non-fatal falls accounts for $19 billion and $.2 billion dollars respectively.3 The following are factors which may contribute to an elevated fall risk:
- Weakness
- Balance deficits
- Gait deficit
- Visual deficit
- Mobility limitation
- Cognitive impairment
- Impaired functional status
- Accident/Environmental Related
- Dizziness/Vertigo
- Other (arthritis, acute illness, drugs, alcohol, pain, epilepsy, and falling from bed)
How can a Physical Therapist help reduce your risk of falling
As stated by the American Physical Therapy Association, a Physical Therapist can assess and develop a plan of care to address limitations and impairments which which may help to decrease your risk of falling.4 A variety of interventions including balance training, strength training, aerobic training, fear management, and community programs may be part of your balance prevention/reduction program.4
References
- Ambrose, A., Paul, G. and Hausdorff, J. (2013). Risk factors for falls among older adults: A review of the literature. Maturitas, 75(1), pp.51-61.
- Lusardi, M., Fritz, S., Middleton, A., Allison, L., Wingood, M., Phillips, E., Criss, M., Verma, S., Osborne, J. and Chui, K. (2017). Determining Risk of Falls in Community Dwelling Older Adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 40(1), pp.1-36.
- Stevens, J., Corso, P., Finkelstein, E. and Miller, T. (2006). The costs of fatal and non-fatal falls among older adults. Injury Prevention, 12(5), pp.290-295.
- American Physical Therapy Association. (2011). Falls. [online] Available at: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=85726fb6-14c4-4c16-9a4c-3736dceac9f0 [Accessed 6 Feb. 2018].