Falls Prevention

Question 1

What are the risks of falls?

Answer 1

• Previous fall
• Unsteadiness in walking, poor balance and muscle weakness
• Cognitive impairment - unable to learn how to use gait aids
• Reduced physical activity
• Poor vision, bi or multi-focals - poor depth perception, transition form surfaces, small lips/steps.
• Postural hypotension or dehydrations - blood pressure drops, dizziness, unsteadiness, faint
• Medication use and potential side effects - polypharmacy (more than 5 medications)
• Foot problems - reduced sensation - changes in alignment of foot bones (unsteadiness), cellulitis in legs (painful foot sores - new footwear)
• Fear of falling
• Incontinence
• Other risk factors - being underweight, inadequate nutrition and alcohol use

Question 2

What are the environmental risks of falls?

Answer 2

• In the home
  o Steps and stair hazards - equal depths, rails, landing to allow for rest
  o Clutter, other obstructions and tripping hazards - rugs folded catch feet, cables, pot plant stands that have feet, pets
  o Uneven or slippery floors - old lino and carpet can bubble, talcum powder makes it extremely slippery, do they have ability to clean up after spill/hazards?
  o Poor lighting/not using lighting - location of light switches? Do they have to move through dark/clutter to reach light?
  o Using furniture for support while walking
  o Items kept in places too high/too low or out of reach
  o Inappropriate or poorly maintained aids and equipment. Eg. garden chair in shower, who prescribed it? How does it fit?
  o Items of clothing are too long and loose, including footwear. Eg. dressing gown, slippers
  o Inappropriate chair or bed height (too low or too high)
• Outside
  o Uneven, broken footpaths or loose pavers
  o Pathways obstructions - eg. overhanging branches, shrubs, hoses - swinging doors vs sliding doors
  o Poor lighting
  o Shiny or slippery floor surfaces in shopping centres or other buildings
  o Poor contrasted steps in shops and other public buildings

Question 3

What are the occupational risks of falls?

Answer 3

• Undertaking activities that are associated with a high risk of falling
  o Eg. activities that involve:
• Reaching
• Working off the ground
• Walking on uneven surfaces
• Carrying items while walking
• Pay attention to any occupations linked to previous falls - occupational analysis

Question 4

What are some recommendations for people at risk of falls?

Answer 4

• Vision
  o Single vision
  o Used when necessary
• Using mobility aids
  o Appropriate for needs
  o Used when mobilising
• Clothing
  o Slim fitting
  o Not loose or too long
• Shoes
  o Adjustable (laces, velcro)
  o Flat and hard sole
  o Secures around heel of foot