According to the World Health Organization, a fall is defined as "Any unintentional (witnessed or unwitnessed) change in position where the resident ends up on the floor, ground, or other lower level."
You or a loved one could be at risk due to any of the following factors:
History of falling
Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, low blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, or arthritis
Taking certain medications such as strong pain medications, antidepressants, or blood pressure and heart medications
Lack of excercise
Environmental factors such as slippery surfaces, uneven walkways, or beds/furniture with a high profile
Risky behaviors, like not using a walking aid or guardrail when needed
Reduced eyesight or hearing
Great, now that you have me worried, what is fall prevention training?
Glad you asked! Fall prevention training is a broad description for the exercises, strategies, home assessments, and home modifications that we can teach you and aid you with in order to decrease the risk of falls and teach you how to deal with them should they occur.
First we will begin with a personal history of falls, should you have one, and then we will be able to assess your living space and needs based upon the information given. Our recommendations could include ideas for physical activity that will strengthen certain muscle groups, removing hazards from your living space, and teaching you strategies for places within your home or frequently visited sites to avoid falls. These recommendations can also include ways to practice falling to avert serious injury should a fall occur.
If you or someone you care for is aging, dealing with illness or recent rehabilitation, fall prevention training is an excellent tool to gain confidence and learn strategies to prevent injury. Call or email to set up a consultation today!
Reference:
Yoshida S. A global report on falls prevention: epidemiology of falls [internet] World Health Organization; 2007 [cited 2016 Apr 28] Available from: https://www.who.int/ageing/ projects/1. Epidemiology%20of%20falls%20in%20older%20age.pdf