Falls

Every year in Australia around 30% of adults over 65 experience at least one fall per year.

This number is expected to increase with our ageing population with the number of people over 65 inreasing from approximately 14% in 2010 to 23% by 2050.

There are a number of reasons that a fall can happen. The severity of a fall is dependant on several factors including: Age, Bone density, how you fall, The surface you fall on, and other health conditions (for example: Osteoporosis and Parkinsons).

Falls in Australia cost the health system more than any other injury including road trauma. In 2006/07 the cost associated with falls in the elderly was estimated at $558.5 Million. This number is expected to grow, however steps must be taken to minimise the risk of falls to help prevent injuries.

Falls can be a major source of long term impairment and disability in the elderly. Preventing a fall is therefore vitally important in those who are at risk. In those who are believed to be at risk we can perform;

• Falls risk assessment
• Footwear assessment
• Check patient ability to perform basic foot care
• Gait analysis

Based on our findings we can prepare a customised treatment plan which may include things like: Foot exercises, Footwear advice, Community exercise programs, Referral to Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology, Orthotics, and referral for in home assessments (Occupational therapy).

If you or someone you care about are concerned about falls, book an appointment for an assessment and help to lower your risk of falls.