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Let’s Talk About Falls

April is Falls Awareness month, where Montefiore’s Physiotherapy and Leisure & Lifestyle teams aim to raise awareness about the risks of falls. This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Talk About Falls,’ so there’s no better time to chat about the importance of working on strength, balance, and dexterity as we age. Read on to see how we’re supporting residents to feel stable on their feet and prevent future falls.

 

April Falls is an annual campaign run by the NSW Falls Prevention & Healthy Ageing Network focused on raising awareness about the impact of falls and promoting best practice falls prevention strategies.

 

This year’s theme is all about reducing the stigma around ageing and falls by talking about risks, signs to look out for, and things we can all do to prevent falls as we age. Falls are common in aged care facilities, and through education for residents, families, and staff, we can all help people make small, practical changes or receive support to keep them independent, safe and steady on their feet.

 

 

 

Half of all residents living in aged care will fall within a 6-month period and can be very serious, leading to injury, hospitalisation, and even death. When a fall does not cause an injury, it can still aggravate existing pain and cause a fear of falling and reluctance to mobilise which can have significant health repercussions. Residents living with dementia are also two to eight times more likely to fall.

 

During April Falls, residents and families took part in educational sessions with our Allied Health and Leisure & Lifestyle teams around falls prevention. Residents also participated in some fun activities to help promote balance, stability, and dexterity.

 

 

 

Preventing falls requires a holistic approach from Montefiore staff, residents, and their loved ones. Here are some of the ways Montefiore’s Clinical, Allied Health, and Leisure & Lifestyle teams all work together to support residents to be stable on their feet:

  • Supervise residents to make sure they have their walkers as they move around the campus particularly in lounge and dining areas
  • Support residents who can walk to maintain this ability
  • Assess and recommend walking aids, new shoes, and protective clothing where necessary
  • Identify environmental risks, such as trip hazards
  • Monitor residents’ overall health and wellbeing

 

 

 

Helpful Tips

Family and friends can help by looking out for these signs in their loved ones:

  • Unsteadiness
  • Feeling unwell or bruising
  • Holding onto furniture while moving about
  • Confusion

 

Simple ways to help prevent falls:

  • Stay active and on your feet with regular exercise, and go for walks around Montefiore
  • Keep your living environment free of trip hazards
  • Wear proper shoes with a good grip
  • Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly

 

If you have any questions, concerns, or notice any of the above signs in yourself or a loved one, please speak to your Care Team. You can also check out our helpful guides: