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Occupational Therapy Falls Prevention

Falls remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. The most effective falls prevention initiatives are both proactive and multi-faceted in their approach. Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled at evaluating and addressing risk factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic.

 
 
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Factors addressed by Guide Healthcare’s homecare occupational therapists may include:

  • Intrinsic Factors: Lower limb weakness, impaired balance, cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence, sensory impairment and fear of falling

  • Extrinsic Factors: Throw rugs and loose carpets, lighting glare, pets, clutter, uneven sidewalks, thresholds, unstable or non-existent handrails

Guide’s homecare occupational therapists work with the client, their carer’s and next of kin to review the home environment for hazards and evaluate the individual for limitations that contribute to falls. Linking a person’s goals and priorities with modifications and adaptations that support their ability to participate in meaningful activities forms the foundation of our service delivery.

Recommendations to assist with the prevention of falls may include things like: 

  • Interventions that target improving physical abilities

  • Changing activity patterns and behaviours

  • Prescribing assistive and mobility aids

  • Environmental modifications

  • Education and training for the older person, families and carers


Guide’s occupational therapists will also work with older adults to overcome the fear of falling, which often occurs post-fall or as mobility declines. A fear of falling often leads to self-limiting behaviours, which results in decreased physical functioning and increased risk for falls. Our clinicians focus on assisting older adults in recognising and addressing each client’s individual concerns. This allows them to recommence activities that are important to them and begin regaining function; while reducing falls risk.

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Contact us.

General Enquiries
admin@guidehealthcare.com.au
02 9663 0387