Prevent Falls Among Elderly: a Physiotherapy Guide
One thing that we all listen often is that an elderly have fallen and hurt
themselves. Falls are among the top cause of disability and injury in old
age. As we age various factors contributes to the incidents of falls which
includes reduction in the muscular strength, stiffness in the joints, poor
balance, reduced reaction time along with hearing and vision
impairments. All these ultimately results in activity limitation,
dependency on others and lack of confidence. But here’s the good news,
majority of falls are preventable using the right approach in which
physiotherapy plays a very crucial role. From the perspective of a
physiotherapist, various aspects that needs to be taken care off to avoid
such mishap includes strengthening of the muscles and balance training.
Major focus should be on the lower limb strength and stability of the
core. In order to improve balance single leg standing, tandem walk and
backward walking. It helps in achieving mobility and functional
independence in activities like walking, going up and down the stairs and
getting up from the chairs. Another aspect includes gait training and
mobility assessment. In this physiotherapist can assess faulty walking
form and provide with corrective methods to improve gait, including
assistive device recommendation if and when needed. Physiotherapist
can help in modifying your house in order to make it more safe and
functional like installing the grab bars in the bathroom,removal of loose
rugs from the floor, proper lighting in the house etc. Physiotherapy helps
the elderly by enhancing their physical capacity as well as by making
them independent, active , safe and more confident.
