Balance And Falls

Question 1

How many Americans age 65+ fall each year?

Answer 1

1/4 (1/2 inform doctor)

Question 2

How many falls in older adults causes a significant injury?

Answer 2

1/5

Question 3

What is the most common cause of TBI in older adults?

Answer 3

Fall

Question 4

How many people are hospitalized per year due to hip fractures?

Answer 4

300,000

Question 5

What is a fall?

Answer 5

Inadvertently coming to rest on the ground as a result of environment age related changes in functioning

Question 6

What is a near fall?

Answer 6

Slip, trip, stumble, or loss of balance with recovery

Question 7

What is pre fall?

Answer 7

Performing activities without losing balance or falling

Question 8

What is near fall?

Answer 8

Ability to recover balance in response to perturbations

Question 9

What is fall landing?

Answer 9

Ability to fall safely to the ground

Question 10

What is completed fall?

Answer 10

Recovery from fall

Question 11

What are the psychological consequences of falling?

Answer 11

Fear of falling

Anxiety

Isolation

Depression

Slippery slope to lower level of function

Question 12

What increases falls with medication use?

Answer 12

Use of 4 or more meds at once

Question 13

What meds cause the highest risk for falls?

Answer 13

Psychotropic meds

Question 14

Why do blood pressure meds have a high fall risk?

Answer 14

Increased risk of Orthostatic hypotension

Question 15

Why are we screening older adults and their balance?

Answer 15

To determine if they are low, moderate, or high risk for falls

Question 16

What are the two ways to screen for fall risk?

Answer 16

Stay independent brochure or 3 key questions

Question 17

What are the three key questions?

Answer 17

Have you fallen in the past 12 months?

Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?

Do you worry about falling?

Question 18

When should someone receive a full balance assessment?

Answer 18

If they score > 4 on the stay independent brochure or answer yes to any of the questions

Question 19

What history is needed when assessing balance?

Answer 19

History of falls

Medication review

Current and past medical history

Living environment

Question 20

What is something to consider when looking at balance?

Answer 20

Footwear

Question 21

What are the three best predictors of falls?

Answer 21

1. ABC balance scale
2. Fear of falling avoidance behavior questionnaire
3. TUG

Question 22

What are some important home modifications to help with the aging adult?

Answer 22

Enhance lighting

Remove rugs

Remove clutter

Widen doors

Walk in shower

Question 23

What puts you at a low risk for falls as an aging adult?

Answer 23

Score < 4 or no to all questions

Question 24

What puts you at a moderate risk for falls as an aging adult?

Answer 24

1 previous fall with no injury

Question 25

What puts you at a high risk for falls as an aging adult?

Answer 25

2 previous falls or 1 fall with injury

Question 26

What are some balance interventions you can do to prevent falls?

Answer 26

Reactive postural control Anticipatory postural control Stability limits Sensory orientation

Question 27

What are some community programs to help with balance?

Answer 27

Otago exercise program Matter of balance SAIL Moving for better balance