New exercise program sees 40% reduction in resident falls
Posted 24th March 2023
In an outstanding result, a team of physiotherapists and assistants have seen a near 40% decrease in falls in 46 residents after the implementation of an internationally renowned falls prevention program at St Vincent’s Care Carseldine.
Through a combination of group and individual sessions, Vijay and her team from Encara Health have improved the quality of life and helped in preventing falls that threaten the livelihood of aged care residents. With falls being the leading cause of injury, hospital admission and death for people over the age of 65, St Vincent’s Care take their prevalence very, very seriously.
One area that Vijay wanted to mention particularly was the residents that were rehabbing broken (or fractured) hips. “There were few residents who came with broken hips from hospital, and were not able to manage at home, so that's why they have to come to one of our facilities,” says Vijay. “Earlier they were walking with their walkers, we did intensive rehab and now they are back to their mobility level.”
The sad reality isolder Australians are 3.5 times more likely to pass away within 12 months with a hip fracture than without. With approximately 93% of new hip fractures being caused by a fall, an adequate program focusing on fall prevention can be a life changing and/or lifesaving endeavour.
The current research from Otago Fall Prevention and Exercise Program shows the improvements for residents in both the frequency of falls and their overall balance, not only can they recover from hip injuries, but they can also prevent them too.
We encourage all older Australian at risk of falls to take a proactive approach to their physiological wellbeing. If you are over 65, please consider getting a plan from a physiotherapist near you and start maintaining fall prevention at home.
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