1

Community

2

Neuroscience Research Australia 2012

Medical Conditions

Stroke Incontinence Parkinson’s disease

Dementia Delirium

Medications

Psychoactives Four or more medications

Psychosocial & Demographic

History of falls Depression Advanced age Living alone ADL limitations Female gender Inactivity

Sensorimotor & Balance

Muscle weakness Impaired vision Reduced peripheral sensation Poor reaction time Impaired balance

Environmental

Poor footwear Home hazard External hazard Inappropriate spectacles

Falls

Risk factors for falls

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Moving right to stay upright

As people age their ability to move or their mobility can be compromised. This may be because of:

• Reduced balance

• Reduced strength

• Pain (in back, legs or feet)

Mobility is…

“The ability to move or be moved freely and easily” (Oxford dictionary)

Mobility is more than walking, it includes:

• Bed mobility

• Sitting on the edge of the bed

• Sitting in a chair

• Standing

• Marching on the spot

Balance and Strength

• Poor balance and strength will affect a person’s mobility and put them at an increased risk of a fall.

• There is good evidence that balance and strength exercises can reduce a person’s risk of falling.

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CEC resources

NEW - CEC Resources

Video demonstration of Balance and Strength tests

• Each video outlines the test, equipment required, helpful tips and explains the results.

• The tests can be conducted in a home or clinic environment

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5 x Sit to stand 10m Walk test

Alternate Step Test Near Tandem

Timed up and go

Safe use of mobility aids videos These videos show a physiotherapist demonstrating with a client the safe use of mobility aids, including:

• how to adjust it to the correct patient height

• safety check

• safe mobilising techniques.

Safe use of mobility aids videos

Equipment Installation and safe use guides There are 22 guides available for equipment used to assist your clients to mobilise:

These guides outline the following:

• What the equipment is used for

• How to fit it to the client

• How to use the equipment

• Precaution and safety

• Maintenance and cleaning.

An example of an Equipment Installation and safe use guide:

Posters

CEC Resources available

They can all be found at:

http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/patient-safety-programs/adult-patient-safety/falls-prevention/other-settings

CEC Falls Prevention one page

flyers for patients and carers

http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/programs

/falls-prevention/falls-one-page-flyers

Foot care and safe footwear

Eyesight How to get up if you have a fall

Strength and balance exercises

Patients with confusion

In Hospital

Home exercises

Medications

Bone health

In public places

www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

Find an

exercise

program •Health and lifestyle checklist

•How to get up from a fall

•Exercises to do at home

•Home safety checklist

Promoting active communities – (to prevent falls)

Website Booklet

DVD

Local exercise programs

To find a local exercise program that includes balance and strength exercises (such as Stepping On or Tai Chi) visit the Active and Healthy website www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

The 'Stepping On' program is a free falls prevention group program for older, community dwelling people 65+ who have had a fall or are fearful of falling: - The program consists of seven weekly 2 hour group sessions, with a booster session 3 months after completion. - Participants must be able to walk

independently or with a walking stick and the program is not generally suitable for people with dementia or neuromuscular conditions.

Nadia Williams-Contact: 0401 715 845 or

www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

• Organised

physical activity

classes for older

adults.

• Conducted by

trained

professionals

• Community

venues

• Courses are

suitable for

beginners and

those who

exercise

regularly.

• Aqua Exercise

• Yoga

• Gentle and Active Exercise

• Pilates Strength training

• Upright and Active

• Tai Chi and gentle Tai Chi

• Zumba Gold

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 02 8877 5300

www.nshealthpromotion.com.au

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NSW Falls Prevention Network • Network list serve • Newsletters & updates • Annual Network forum – 19th May 2017,

Sydney

http://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au

For further information:

CEC-FALLS@health.nsw.gov.au

www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au

Thank you Questions