Falls Prevention
Falls Prevention Program
10 weeks program to improve balance, strength and confidence for a safer, more active lifestyle
‘It takes a child one year to acquire independent movement and ten years to acquire independent mobility. An older person can lose both in a day’
Professor Bernard Isaacs (1924–1995)
Preventing Falls: A Critical Step for Those Over 60
Falls are a significant concern for individuals over 60. They are not only a leading cause of injury in older adults but also a major factor in reducing quality of life and independence. Understanding the importance of falls prevention and identifying factors that contribute to a higher risk can make a substantial difference in ensuring safety and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Why Falls Prevention Matters
Falls among older adults are more common than many realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four older adults falls each year. These incidents can lead to severe injuries such as hip fractures, head trauma, and even long-term disability. Moreover, the fear of falling again can cause significant anxiety, leading to decreased physical activity, further weakening muscles, and increasing the risk of future falls.
A falls prevention course equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to reduce their risk. These programs typically include:
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Balance and Strength Exercises: Improving muscle strength and balance is crucial. Exercises tailored for older adults can help enhance stability and coordination, making daily activities safer.
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Home Safety Assessments: Many falls happen at home. Prevention courses often include tips on making living spaces safer, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, and improving lighting.
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Medication Review: Some medications can affect balance and coordination. Falls prevention programs usually involve reviewing current medications to identify those that might contribute to falls and discussing alternatives with healthcare providers.
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Vision and Hearing Checks: Impaired vision and hearing can significantly increase the risk of falls. Regular check-ups and appropriate corrective measures can prevent falls related to sensory deficits.
Factors Contributing to High Fall Risk
Several factors can place individuals in a high-risk category for falls. Understanding these factors is the first step toward effective prevention:
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Previous Falls: A history of falling significantly increases the likelihood of future falls. It is essential to analyze the reasons for past falls and address them to prevent recurrence.
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Muscle Weakness: Aging naturally leads to a loss of muscle mass and strength. Regular physical activity and strength training can counteract this decline.
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Chronic Conditions: Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and heart conditions can affect balance, coordination, and overall mobility.
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Medications: As mentioned, certain medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system, can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or hypotension, all of which increase fall risk.
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Sensory Impairments: Poor vision and hearing can hinder one’s ability to detect hazards and maintain balance. Regular check-ups and appropriate aids are crucial.
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Environmental Hazards: Cluttered living spaces, loose rugs, slippery floors, and inadequate lighting can all contribute to falls. A home safety assessment can help identify and mitigate these risks.
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Footwear and Foot Health: Wearing improper footwear or having foot pain or conditions like neuropathy can affect balance. Choosing supportive shoes and addressing foot health issues is vital.
Helping you regain your independence.
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. By participating in falls prevention courses, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of falls, maintain their independence, and continue to enjoy their daily activities with confidence. Recognizing the factors that contribute to falls and taking proactive measures to address them is a critical step in safeguarding health and well-being.
For those over 60, investing time in falls prevention is investing in a safer, healthier future. Embrace the opportunity to learn, adapt, and stay active—because preventing falls means preserving the freedom to live life to its fullest
Our Program
Welcome to our comprehensive Falls Prevention Program, a 10-week journey designed to help individuals with a history of falls, balance problems, or those keen on preventing future falls. Our program is meticulously crafted to enhance your physical strength, improve balance, and provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary for maintaining a safe and active lifestyle.
The program kicks off with a 1-hour session led by our experienced team of professionals, including a Chiropractor & Registered Nurse. During this session, we focus on highlighting prevention strategies, raising your awareness of fall risks, and practical tactics to avoid falls. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that you receive holistic care and advice, integrating medical insights with nutritional guidance and physical exercise strategies. This can be accessed online as a telehealth appointment if you would prefer
Following the initial workshop, the program continues with nine weekly movement sessions using our small Reformer space (5 persons max), each lasting 45 minutes. These sessions are designed to progressively build your upper and lower body strength, enhance core activation, and improve basic functional movements essential for safety and daily activities. Our expert-led exercises will also focus on improving your balance and flexibility, critical components for reducing the risk of falls. Each session is tailored to meet the needs of participants, ensuring that you gain maximum benefit and build confidence in your physical abilities.
Beyond physical training, our program offers a unique opportunity for social connection. Each session provides a space for participants to interact, share experiences, and support each other. This social aspect is vital in fostering a sense of community and encouraging mutual motivation. By the end of the 10 weeks, you will not only feel stronger and more balanced but also part of a supportive network of individuals committed to health and wellness. Join us and take a proactive step towards a safer, more active life.
Our next intake for this year will be August 5th 2024 and runs every Monday at 9.30 – 10.30am
Cost: $411.00 for the 10 week course *
*$130.00 of this cost is eligible for Health Fund or Medicare Rebate depending on your cover
If you would like to know more information about the dates of our programs, get in touch with our team.