Fall Prevention: Fall-Risk Factors and Prevention Tips
By Patricia Godsen, DPT
Falls can happen to anyone, but the older population tends to be more at risk. The statistics on falls are startling.
More than one out of three people 65 years and older will fall each year, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Each year, more than 3 million people ages 65 and older are treated for fall injuries and one out of five falls results in a serious injury, including head trauma or fractures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling.
Physical therapists are raising awareness of fall-risk factors and providing programs for fall prevention.
Here are some early warning signs and characteristics of individuals who are more at risk.
Fall-Risk Signs and Symptoms
In addition to age, here are some characteristics that may put you more at risk. Any combination of these things could increase one’s chances of falling.
- Muscle weakness
- Balance/walking difficulties
- Vision deficits
- Chronic pain
- Home hazards
- History of falls
- Use of assistive device or reliance on furniture/objects to maneuver around
- Difficulty going up/down steps
- Fearful toward falling
- Neurologic deficits
- Numbness in feet
Fall-Prevention Tips and Checklists
It’s important to understand why an individual is falling or is at risk for falling in order to put a prevention plan in place. Is it a problem related to the environment or physical limitations?
Environmental Risk Prevention Tips
Falls could happen as a result of hazards in the home, including uneven steps, throw rugs, clutter, poor lighting, non-handicap accessible bathrooms and more.
Here is a checklist for eliminating hazards and providing an environment that is less conducive to falls:
- Remove objects from hallways and steps
- Fix/secure any loose steps, tiles or carpeting
- Eliminate throw rugs
- Add/fix handrails for entering the home
- Add nonslip rubber mats, handrails, raised toilet seat and shower bench to the bathroom
- Keep items conveniently positioned and within reach
- Make sure there is ample light in the hallways, especially at night for frequent trips to the bathroom
- Keep a light close to the bed
- Avoid the use of slippers/socks in the home and wear shoes designated for home-use
Physical Risk Prevention Tips
Physical therapists complete fall-risk assessments and then establish programs to help individuals who struggle with weakness, balance, vertigo or pain.
Strength and endurance programs can be very beneficial for fall prevention and also help individuals to feel more self-confident and less fearful.
If you or someone you know is at risk, you may want to talk to your doctor about receiving clearance for physical therapy or an exercise program.
Here are some tips to help with physical limitations:
- Use an assistive device such as a walker or cane
- Wear balanced and supportive shoes with good traction and avoid loose, open back or high-heel shoes
- Stay active
- Create an emergency plan in case of a fall
- Practice breathing techniques
- Perform strengthening exercises with a physical therapist and at home
- Reward oneself for small accomplishments
A physical therapist can recommend different exercises, including a sit-to-stand movement, which helps to build the upper and lower body muscles. Your PT will also provide educational take-home materials.
What You Can Expect with a Fall Assessment
If you’ve fallen before or feel you might be at risk for falling, talk to your doctor or contact us today to schedule a fall-risk assessment.
The assessment and evaluation will consist of a series of tests to assess balance, gait and strength and should approximately take an hour. A physical therapist will then put together an individualized treatment program based on his/her findings.
Patricia Godsen is a physical therapist at TuDor Physical Therapy and treats patients at the group’s Warren office. She is balance-certified and trained in various fall-risk prevention treatment methods.