Falls Prevention Flashcards
research shows that a combined effect of what interacting factors increase fall risk?
- muscle weakness
- foot problems
- heart rate/rhythm problem
- history of falls
- vision problems
- dizziness
- multiple meds
- difficulty with walking/balance
list risk factors for falls
- change in meds
- pain
- lack of sleep
- being sad or worried
- reduced activity level
- move to new home
- change in use of cane or walker
why a fear of falling matters
a lasting concern about falling that can lead to an individual avoiding activities that he/she remains capable of performing
- may stop you from activities
- leg weakens with inactivity
- inactivity leads to falls
- may make the person feel alone
- may cause depression
- falling and fear of falling as you age should NOT be accepted as a normal process of aging
what are intrinsic factors?
these factors are internal and specific to the individual
what are extrinsic factors?
these factors are external to the individual
T/F: often a fall is a result of the interaction between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors
TRUE
list common intrinsic factors
- LE weakness/inflexibility
- previous falls
- gait and balance disorders
- decreased gait speed
- decline in vision
- fear of falling
- depression
- functional and cognitive impairment
- dizziness
- low BMI
- urinary incontinence
- female sex
- decreased sensation
- osteoporosis
- neurological conditions
- cardiovascular conditions
list common extrinsic factors
- taking over 4 prescription meds
- stairs
- clutter
- wet surfaces
- loose rugs/carpets
- cords
- poor lighting
- hurrying/rushing
- lack of health professional’s knowledge
the most effective program is _______
multi-factorial
- physical activity
- education
- environmental modifications
- fall risk assessments
- review of meds
in addition to lessening the rate of falls, prevention exercises:
- reduces the severity of injury when falls do occur
- 37% for all injurious falls
- 43% for severe injurious falls
- 61% for falls that produced fractures
successful programs for fall prevention may include what?
- PT
- exercise
- education
- med management
- environmental modification
- other approaches targeted to individual risk factors that may contribute to falls (such as impairments in vision, foot problems, continence)
what are the benefits of exercise in fall preventions
- reduce fear of falling
- improve flexibility, strength, endurance
- improve cardiovascular health
- help decrease depression
- reduce sleep disorders
list examples of exercises that help prevent falls
- walking program
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Stepping On
- Otago Exercise Program
- Matter of Balance
- Aerobic Exercise
- Bowling, dancing, gardening
what is the Otago Exercise Program?
- designed specifically to prevent falls
- consists of a set of leg muscle strengthening and balance retraining exercises progressing in difficulty, and a walking plan
- the exercises are individually prescribed and increase in difficulty during a series of 5 home visits by a trained instructor
- the exercises take about 30 minutes to complete. Participants are expected to exercise 3x/week and go for a walk at least 2x/week
- participants record the days they complete the program
is Otago Exercise program effective?
overall the exercise program is effective in reducing by 35% both the number of falls and the number of injuries resulting from falls in clients 80 years of age or older
improved participants’ strength and balance and maintained their confidence in carrying out everyday activities without falling
is Stepping On effective?
YES
- return on investment $1.00
- seven weekly 2-hour classes including peer discussion, exercise, expert lectures
- evidence has proven that Stepping On reduces falls by 31% in the community
- You should feel safe standing and walking independently before you begin SO
what are the steps of Stepping On?
- Introduction, overview and risk appraisal
- Exercises and moving about safely
- Home hazards
- Community safety and footwear
- Vision and falls and vitamin D
- Medication management and mobility mastery experiences
- Review and plan ahead
what is a goal with Tai Chi?
participants should be able to stand on one leg for 5 seconds
list some ways to find evidence-based falls prevention programs
- local senior center
- area agency on aging (www.eldercare.gov)
- hospitals or health clinics
- YMCA for programs like Tai Chi
what does education for falls prevention include?
- risk factors for falls
- fall prevention
- fall injury reduction
- medication management
- home safety
- physical activity
- emergency plans
- what to do if you do fall
T/F: start up costs for PT fall prevention are usually cost-neutral as the program involves coordination of existing services, most of which are Medicare reimbursable
TRUE
