Prevent Falls

Falls can unnecessarily represent the beginning of the end for many patients. Unfortunately, a simple event such as a fall can lead to a cascade of events that without appropriate rehabilitation and professional health care intervention, will often see the rapid decline of one’s health. A fall more often than not, can lead to a fractured joint (most commonly the hip) which leads to major surgical intervention, a hip replacement and a period of immobilsation. During this period of reduced activity and/or immobilsation is where the patient rapidly loses strength, mobility and balance and will often develop health complications that can be life threatening.

It may also be of value to read information contained on our Equipment/Products page (under the ‘Resources’ tab), about Easycarer 24hr automated telephone monitoring.

Remain Independent

Independence is essential if one is going to remain living free from, or requiring minimal assistance from, other family members or carers. However, as one gets older, remaining independent is something that one must strive for and not just expect. It is important that activity is maintained and that professional rehabilitation occurs promptly after each and every period of immbolisation or ill health. Failure to achieve this will often see the patient drop several levels of function and mobility. This decline subsequently causes the need to access greater assistance with tasks such as personal hygiene, mobility and other activities of daily living.

Improve Mobility & Balance

De-conditioning represents the most common cause for balance decline and subsequent falls. The same muscles that allow one to walk and stand from a chair are equally the ones that contribute to maintaining balance. It is easy to allow these muscles to lose their strength via inactivity, a period of immobilisation or a gradual reduction in their general use. However, what is very positive is the fact that one’s balance with focused mobility therapy can be quickly returned to normal, thus reducing falls risks and minimising the reliance on mobility aids such wheeled walkers and walking sticks.

Maintain Functional Strength

Sound lower and upper limb strength are vital if one is to remain independent and with the greatest functional capacity. Daily tasks such as rising from a chair, getting into the car, walking a flight of stairs or getting up off the ground are all essential activities of daily living which one requires if they are to remain functional and independent and therefore maintain a maximal quality of life.

Rehabilitation At Home staff can provide an intensive 1:1 program of physiotherapy intervention aimed at reducing falls rates and improving the patient’s general functional ability. Treatment consists of individualised functional strengthening and balance programs delivered as 2-3 treatment sessions per week.

Mobility therapy is designed to ensure that the patient maintains their capacity to remain independent and mobile, subsequently reducing the patient’s reliance on mobility aids. The maintenance of the patient’s functional capacity will reduce the risk of falls and the typical downhill spiral of health complications commonly directly related to their occurrence.