Falls Prevention for Older Adults in Manly

A fall does not have to cause an injury to be worth discussing with a doctor. Repeated stumbles, near-falls or increasing unsteadiness can also indicate that a review is needed.

Falls prevention focuses on understanding what is contributing to the problem and identifying ways to reduce risk. Even when someone feels well after a fall, a GP review is important.

For older adults with recurrent falls or overlapping health concerns, Dr Amit Gupta provides specialist geriatric assessment in Manly.

After a severe fall, seek emergency care or call 000. Do not wait for a routine falls-prevention appointment.

When Should You Ask About Falls Assessment?

Speak with your GP following a fall or when you notice changes such as:

• Repeated stumbles, near-falls or difficulty keeping your balance.
• Dizziness or light-headedness when standing or walking.
• Difficulty rising from a chair or moving around safely.
• Avoiding activities because of a fear of falling.

An assessment can be useful even when you are unsure why a fall happened. Your GP can investigate initial concerns and advise whether specialist review is appropriate.

Why Falls May Have More Than One Cause

Falls can involve a combination of health and environmental factors.

Reduced strength, balance difficulties, vision problems or painful joints may affect movement. Some medications can contribute to drowsiness, dizziness or unsteadiness. Hazards such as poor lighting, loose rugs or unsuitable footwear can add to the risk.

Memory and thinking changes may also affect how someone moves around or responds to their surroundings. When these concerns occur together, cognitive assessment may form part of the broader review.

What Happens During a Falls Assessment?

The clinician will usually ask about what happened before, during and after the fall, whether there have been previous falls, and any associated symptoms.

Assessment may include reviewing medical conditions and medications, examining walking and balance, and considering daily activities and the home environment.

Before your appointment, it can help to record where the fall happened, what you were doing, whether you felt dizzy or unwell, and whether there had been a recent illness or medication change.

This information can help identify patterns that are not obvious from a single incident.

How Can a Geriatrician Help?

Dr Gupta can assess falls within the context of an older person’s overall health, particularly when there are several possible contributing factors.

Recommendations may include further medical investigation, medication review, physiotherapy or other allied health input, suitable strength and balance activities, or consideration of mobility aids and home safety changes.

Any exercise program or equipment should be appropriate for the individual. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without discussing it with your treating clinician.

Rebuilding Confidence After a Fall

A fall can leave someone worried about walking, going out or being alone. Avoiding activity can then make it harder to maintain strength and confidence.

Discuss these concerns with your GP rather than trying to manage them alone. The goal is to find a suitable approach to activity and support, not simply to restrict movement.

Read more about maintaining independence after 65.

Arranging Falls Assessment in Manly

Speak with your usual GP or book a GP appointment at South Steyne Medical Centre. Your GP can assess the situation and arrange a referral where specialist input is appropriate.

Already have a referral? Contact reception about an appointment with Dr Amit Gupta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tell my doctor about a fall if I was not injured?

Yes. A fall may reveal a health, medication or mobility issue that needs attention, even when there is no obvious injury.

Can assessment guarantee that I will not fall again?

No. Assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide measures to reduce risk, but it cannot eliminate every possibility of a future fall.