Falls Risk Prevention

 How serious is the problem?

• More than one-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year
• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
• More than 60% of people who die from falls are 75 and older.
• Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or head traumas that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death.
• Among people ages 75 years and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer.
• Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.

• Among older adults, the majority of fractures are caused by falls.

At BJC Health, our physiotherapists & exercise therapists are trained to assess gait stability and falls risk. After an initial assessment, they will then design a program to reduce this falls risk by:

• Improving Balance
• Improving the mechanics of walking
• Increasing Lower Limb Strength
• Utilizing walking aids when appropriate