QA Forum
Welcome to the Q&A Forum
We were discussing Falls Prevention
With Suzanne Ralston and Beverley Steer
A fall is usually described as a sudden change in position causing you to land at a lower level. At times this could cause you to land on an object, the floor, or even a hard surface.
Research shows us that falls among older adults have huge social, health and financial costs for both older adults and the community. Around one third of older adults experience a fall, whether it is: out and about in the community, or around their own home. Falls can cause devastating effects on older adults and their families
Keeping active both physically and socially on a daily basis can help with your strength and balance. This is a very important part of preventing falls.
Managing your health and your medication can also help you prevent a fall. Side effects of some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness and confusion, which may cause you to fall. Talking with your doctor and keeping track of your medications can minimise these side effects.
A fall may lead to serious injuries such as a broken limb, which can result in loss of control and independence. Older adults may then have to rely more on their family members and friends for support and help as they recover. At times, relying on family members and friends can often be frustrating, as we don’t like to be a ‘burden’ on our family and friends.
There are many things that you can do to help prevent a fall, and on this forum you can find out the many useful tips, and contacts for more information, services and support by asking a question.
If you would like to ask one of our panel members a question on any aspect of falls prevention, please do so. You can also have a read through the following questions and answers and view a short background to each of our panel members: Beverley Steer (Department of Health and Ageing) or Suzanne Ralston (Injury Control Centre of Western Australia). There is a list of useful resources for further information and available services to help you find the information that you are looking for.
The following questions were answered:
| Question 1: | Would you say that the elderly are disadvantaged physically? | View Answer |
| Question 2: | Have you found that there are a growing number of people suffering falls? | View Answer |
| Question 3: | Is there advice or training available for falls prevention techniques? | View Answer |
| Question 4: | My family tells me that now I am retired I should be putting my feet up and taking it easy. I would like to be more active but my family are worried it might be too much. What should I do? | View Answer |
| Question 5: | I have had a couple of falls in the last few months. Is there much I can do about it now that I am 75? | View Answer |
| Question 6: | I was wondering if you could please advise me what are the main risk factors or causes of falls? | View Answer |
| Question 7: | I wear bifocal glasses and sometimes miss the edges of steps when walking. I haven’t had a fall but it makes me feel a bit unsteady. What can I do? | View Answer |
| Question 8: | My mother is 85, how do you suggest she reduces her risk of falling? | View Answer |
| Question 9: | View Answer |
