Fall prevention strategies for your geriatric patients 

As your patients age, new challenges arise. Among those more trying aspects of aging is an increased risk of falling.

A decrease in balance, strength and durability make this particular physical hurdle a dangerous one for patients reaching their later years. 

The statistics regarding the frequency and severity of falls are alarming.  

This article explores fall prevention strategies and provides several exercises to help your patients improve their balance. It is important to understand the significance of falling and how to test for fall risk factors.   

The significance of falling 

Older individuals are not only more likely to fall, but also face a higher risk of injury as a result. Of the annual reported falls that occur, emergency room visits result in one of every 12 cases (approximately 3 million out of 36 million). This includes around 300,000 individuals suffering from broken hips. 

Breaking a hip is a severe injury that carries considerable consequences. About 25% of older people who experience a hip fracture die within 12 months. Many never regain their prior level of health and functionality. 

Fall prevention strategies 

To avoid the potential health complications resulting from a fall, it is best to practice prevention. Thankfully, DCs can implement strategies to help at-risk patients avoid falls and live healthier into their older years. Chiropractic care for seniors can offer notable advantages in fall prevention. 

Test for fall risk factors 

Older people fall for a variety of reasons, including their decreased strength, stability and vision. Before you can help them with a regimen of fall prevention, you must identify the risk factors at play. 

As a DC, you can only aid in the musculoskeletal aspects of their health. This means you need to pinpoint the strength and stability issues that may contribute to falling. 

First, test the anterior fall risk by having a patient stand upright with a neutral spine. Have them lean forward as far as possible without falling. If their forward lean is less than 4.5 inches without recovery, they will benefit from exercises. 

The second imperative thing to test is toe strength. A person’s toe strength directly correlates to their risk of falling. The stronger the toes, the less likely they are to fall. If they demonstrate notable weakness, implementing toe-strengthening exercises is a must. 

Exercises to prevent falls  

Most geriatric patients can perform valuable anti-fall exercises at home once they learn the movements from a trained professional. In more serious cases, it may be beneficial to help them with the exercises in a few sessions until they are ready to practice them on their own. 

Be sure to set reasonable expectations for your older clients. Results occur over time, not overnight. Track their progress at in-person appointments and adjust as necessary to secure the best outcomes. 

Single-leg stance 

This movement helps build balance and strength, making it a simple yet effective exercise to include in a fall prevention program. To perform, simply stand upright with your feet together and lift one foot off the ground; either in front or behind you. 

The single-leg stance can be done with balance assistance, especially early on. Use a sturdy chair, bar or other available aid to help with balance and avoid injury. Repetitions can be done in five-second increments on each side. 

Vele’s forward lean 

Another excellent balance builder is Vele’s forward lean. It is designed to help with balance recovery, which is a vital part of fall prevention. 

To perform Vele’s forward lean, start with feet about shoulder width apart and pointed forward. Turn your knees outward and lean forward slightly. Your heels should remain in contact with the ground at all times. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement. 

ToePro 

Designed to strengthen both leg and foot muscles, the ToePro is an exercise platform that can help patients develop essential toe strength and prevent future falls. The device allows for progression as patients grow stronger, thereby allowing them to gradually increase strength and reduce the risk of a fall. 

Final thoughts 

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