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While unfortunately common, they are largely preventable. A fall can be a life-threatening event with severe consequences like fractures, head injuries, and hospitalizations.
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"The causes of falls in the elderly are multifaceted, ranging from balance disorders and decreased muscle strength to neurological conditions, impaired vision, and cognitive decline. Handling numerous types of drugs can raise the chance of "polypharmacy," where other medicines can potentially interact with different and direct to dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, or drowsiness, which can affect balance control", says Dr Anita Bhandari, a Neurotologist, ENT surgeon, Director of NeuroEquilibrium.
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It starts with a thorough review of the individual's medical history, including past falls, chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, diabetes), medications, and any neurological or musculoskeletal issues affecting balance and mobility. Other assessments include the Fall Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), Timed Up and Test(TUG), Gait Test, and vision and hearing evaluations.
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"Founded on these reviews, they can create a personalized fall deterence project. Recommendations for home modifications may include installing handrails and improving lighting to reduce environmental hazards and counselling on fall prevention strategies and falling," says Dr Anushka Bhandari, the head of R&D at NeuroEquilibrium.
