Balance And Falls Prevention For Seniors

In our last blog “A Safe Approach To Staying Active And Independant“, we discussed the effects of ageing on the body can cause many symptoms such as general stiffness, decreased mobility and poor balance. Thus, it’s no surprise that falls are generally the biggest cause of admission to hospitals for people over the age of sixty-five. This is also why every year the NSW Health Service runs a special awareness campaign called “April Falls Month”.

So What Keeps Us Stable?
Balance in walking and standing is dependent on many factors.

Good balance requires reliable sensory input from the individual’s vision, vestibular system (the balance system of the inner ear), and proprioceptors (sensors of position and movement in the feet and legs). It is also dependant on good muscle strength and joint mobility. Other common conditions that effect balance include:
–  Vertigo
–  Dizziness
–  Diabetes
–  Movement Disorders
–  Cognitive Decline and Memory Loss
–  Medication side effects of interaction between drugs
–  Inadequate or poorly balanced diet
–  Cardiac problems (including low or high blood pressure)

Early Warning Signs – What You Should Look Out For!
If you have already had a fall, you know you are at increased risk of having another one. However, there are also early signs that indicate that you are potentially at increased risk such as:
–  Difficulty getting out of your chair
–  Shortening in step
–  Difficulty turning over
–  Tripping
–  Slowing or stiffening
–  Getting easily confused, or finding difficulty in remembering recent events

If you are experiencing any of the above, it is advisable you get your balance assessed, and to help you during April we are offering a FREE Falls Risk Assessment for everybody over fifty-five. To take advantage of this offer, please make sure you refer to this blog post when you book your appointment.

In our assessment you will learn how stable you are, and if you are at serious risk of a fall. We will then provide you with a detailed analysis of your postural characteristics and how well you respond to different postural challenges. Finally, you will receive recommendations including situations to avoid and specific exercises to do. Should you require further therapy, you will be referred to our unique Postural Rehabilitation Program.