Falls have been cited as one of the most common reason people over 65 are admitted to hospital, affecting more than 40% of over 65% according to recent national statistics. This appears to worsen as age advances to over 80 years with more than 50% of over 80s having one or more falls per year (Office for National Statistics, 2015). Falls cause fractures, head injuries and, in worse cases, deaths on a yearly basis.

There is a saying that ‘’age does not come alone’’ unfortunately. Falls occur as result of multiple factors and the most common cause of falls is general frailty, which is associated with aging. Deconditioning and disuse (sarcopenia)- muscle loss associated with aging is a common feature in the elderly population Low blood pressure, confusion and acute infection such as urinary tract infection (UTI), acute kidney infection/injury (AKI), and dehydration. Medications have also been cited as a predisposing factor especially in individuals taking more than four different medications at the same time.

Falls can be detrimental to an individual’s confidence and quality of life as the fear of falling predisposes individuals, especially in advanced age to loneliness/social isolation and a reluctance to participate in society. It can also result into fear of walking/moving.

Poor nutrition has also been cited as a cause of frailty among population with memory problems, which is particularly relevant to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, both of which have increased in the recent past.

These two conditions have also contributed to increased falls risk due to the additional pressure they have put on healthcare and social services in terms of the level of inpatient and community-based care needs for these groups.

Some of these falls are preventable in community settings and the Royal College of Nursing and other organisation in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland have come up with frameworks to tackle the problem.

One of the most commonly used early intervention method is a comprehensive assessment of risk of each individual’s risk of falling, which is followed by engaging them through various pathways of management. Some of these include community-based service prescriptions and supervision of exercises aimed at strengthening, body awareness, balance and coordination. This gives the individual not only a sense of confidence but also the ability to regain their independency and participate socially reducing loneliness.

I have worked with these groups both in community setting and with inpatients in the South of England for Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Maidstone & Tonbridge Trusts in rehabilitation wards, A&E and in falls prevention assessments, all with outstanding feedback.

At David Physio & Sports Clinic, we provide a comprehensive assessment of each patients over 75 or with history of falling in order to tailor the rehabilitation accordingly to restore motivation, confidence in walking, balance and improve their independency and quality of life.

We do also offer home visit services but terms and conditions apply.