The #1 Alarming Reason Older People are Hospitalised

Falls are the #1 alarming reason that older people are hospitalised, and they can often be prevented. Learn about the causes of falls, how to prevent them, and the importance of physiotherapy exercises.

Exclusive access to Free Ebook “7 ALARMING THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE TURNING 65 (With Physiotherapy Exercises included!)” linked here.

Falls in elderly and their prevalence

In Australia alone, there were 5,028 deaths and 135,285 hospitalizations for falls in people aged 65 or over during 2018-2019. The leading cause of falls (60%) in the 65+ age group occurred on the same level i.e. on level surfaces. This is a serious issue because even if someone doesn’t break any bones during a fall, it can lead to lifelong consequences like the loss of independence and reduced quality of life due to pain caused by injuries sustained during the fall.

Causes of falls

Muscle weakness, loss of balance, and dizziness caused by medications or sudden environmental changes are all common causes of falls. These can be further exacerbated by certain medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis etc. Other common causes include an unsafe home environment, a poor diet, poor eyesight, inadequate footwear, improper use of walking aids, and incontinence issues.

The importance of physiotherapy in falls

The most important thing one can do to prevent falls is exercise! The most common cause of falls is a lack of balance or strength in one’s legs. This could be due to an underlying medical condition such as arthritis or diabetes. Physiotherapy exercises can help with this problem by strengthening your muscles and improving your balance so you’re less likely to fall.

Physiotherapists at Health Next Door are experts in prescribing the best exercises for patients who’ve experienced a fall or have frequent falls due to medical conditions that cause dizziness or loss of balance. These exercises are critical because the earlier you start doing them after a fall, the less likely you are to experience falls in the future. If you have not previously experienced a fall but are over 65 years of age, early commencement of falls prevention exercises is also important as this can be key to avoiding your first fall. Download our free handbook and exercises here. Note: The exercises provided are general exercises and may not be suitable for your specific needs. Make a FREE appointment with our physiotherapists who will work with you on a personalized exercise plan tailored just for you!

Conclusion

Falls can lead to serious injuries which can further lead to disability and even death. This is why it’s important to take proactive measures to prevent falls from happening in the first place by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Regular visits to your physiotherapist are especially helpful in this endeavour, as they’ll prescribe personalized exercises for you that will help improve your balance and reduce the likelihood of falling again.

If you’d like some advice on how to keep active while keeping yourself safe, make an appointment with one of our friendly, knowledgeable physios today! Our aged care physiotherapists are experts in the field of falls prevention and offer a free physiotherapy appointment for your first visit.

Health Next Door is the #1 choice for home visit physiotherapists in Sydney. Let us come to you! Book now.

Click here to download the printable Ebook “7 Alarming Things You Must Know Before Turning 65 (With Physiotherapy Exercises included!)- Written by a Physiotherapist”

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