Falls Prevention for Older Adults in Manly
Falls are one of the most common health concerns affecting older adults. While many people assume falls are simply part of ageing, a fall, near-fall or new unsteadiness can be a sign that further medical assessment is needed.
Falls can lead to injury, reduced confidence, loss of independence and increased worry for families and carers. The good news is that many falls risks can be identified and reduced with the right assessment and support.
Why Falls Prevention Matters
A fall can have a significant impact on an older person’s health and quality of life. Even when no major injury occurs, a fall may make someone less confident moving around, less willing to leave home or more dependent on others.
Falls prevention is about understanding why falls are happening and identifying practical ways to reduce future risk.
This may include looking at medical conditions, medications, balance, strength, mobility, vision, cognition, home safety and support needs.
When Should Falls Be Assessed?
An older adult may benefit from a falls assessment if they have experienced:
- A recent fall
- Repeated falls
- Near-falls or frequent stumbles
- New unsteadiness when walking
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Reduced confidence moving around
- Difficulty getting out of a chair or bed
- Changes in strength, balance or mobility
- Fear of falling
- A fall associated with confusion, fainting or medication changes
Falls should be taken seriously, especially when they are new, recurrent or affecting independence.
Common Causes of Falls in Older Adults
Falls often have more than one cause. A geriatrician can help assess the broader medical picture and identify contributing factors.
Common contributors may include:
- Medication side effects
- Blood pressure changes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Poor balance
- Reduced muscle strength
- Vision problems
- Foot problems or unsuitable footwear
- Cognitive changes or confusion
- Parkinson’s disease or neurological conditions
- Pain or arthritis
- Frailty
- Environmental hazards at home
Understanding the cause of falls is an important step in reducing future risk.
How a Geriatrician Can Help With Falls Prevention
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who focuses on the health and wellbeing of older adults. For falls prevention, a geriatrician may review the patient’s medical history, medications, mobility, balance, cognition, mood and overall function.
This type of assessment can help identify whether falls are related to a medical issue, medication effect, frailty, cognitive change, mobility limitation or another factor.
Recommendations may include further investigations, medication review, allied health input, exercise or strength programs, mobility aids, home safety strategies, or support planning through the patient’s GP and care team.
Falls, Memory and Mood
Falls can sometimes occur alongside other changes, including memory concerns, confusion, low mood, anxiety or reduced confidence.
For example, an older adult may become less active after a fall because they are afraid of falling again. This can lead to reduced strength, increased frailty and further falls risk.
A comprehensive assessment can help consider these issues together, rather than treating falls as an isolated problem.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Falls
For older adults with recurrent falls or multiple health concerns, falls prevention may form part of a broader comprehensive geriatric assessment.
This may include review of:
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Falls history
- Mobility and balance
- Cognition and memory
- Mood and confidence
- Daily function and independence
- Home and care supports
- Ongoing management needs
This can be particularly helpful when an older person has several overlapping concerns, such as falls, memory changes, frailty, mood symptoms or reduced independence.
75+ Health Assessments and Falls Risk
For patients aged 75 and over, a 75+ health assessment with a GP is an important opportunity to review falls risk, mobility, medications, home safety, memory, mood and support needs.
If falls risk or mobility concerns are identified during a 75+ health assessment, the GP may recommend further assessment or referral to a geriatrician.
Referrals for Falls Prevention in Manly
Patients and families who are concerned about falls should speak with their GP. A GP can assess the situation, organise initial investigations where appropriate and provide a referral to a geriatrician if specialist input is needed.
Dr Amit Gupta accepts referrals from GPs consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre, as well as external GPs in the wider community.
For more information, please contact South Steyne Medical Centre.
FAQ
Are falls a normal part of ageing?
Falls are common in older adults, but they should not be dismissed as normal. A fall may indicate an underlying medical, medication, mobility or balance issue that needs assessment.
When should an older adult see a doctor about falls?
An older adult should speak with a GP if they have had a fall, repeated falls, near-falls, new unsteadiness, dizziness, reduced confidence or fear of falling.
Can a geriatrician help prevent falls?
Yes. A geriatrician can assess medical conditions, medications, cognition, mood, mobility, balance and frailty factors that may contribute to falls risk.
What is included in a falls assessment?
A falls assessment may include review of falls history, medications, medical conditions, balance, mobility, strength, cognition, mood and home safety risks.
Can a 75+ health assessment help identify falls risk?
Yes. A 75+ health assessment with a GP can help identify falls risk, mobility concerns, medication issues and support needs in older adults.
Where does Dr Amit Gupta consult?
Dr Amit Gupta consults at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly.
