There are plenty of ways in which to get help and advice to prevent falls.

A G.P. or doctor are often the first point of contact for help and advice for your residents and they will be part of a team of healthcare professionals who you can refer to to seek further help and advise you. Within falls prevention their particular interests are medications, dizziness and other medical conditions that may cause residents to be unsteady. GP’s can also assess whether your resident has a Vitamin D deficiency or osteoporosis.

Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists working with older people are especially skilled in the assessment and management of mobility problems and can advise on suitable mobility aids. They are also able to give advice and information on suitable exercise programs to improve balance and stability.
Physiotherapists also provide assessment on:

  • weakness
  • unsteadiness
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • loss of confidence
  • vestibular dizziness
  • difficulty transferring
  • deconditioning
  • neurological problems.

Physiotherapists may be employed within a facility or contracted to complete assessments – check internal procedures within your facility. For more information on physiotherapy search http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/

Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists are skilled at assessment of problems that affect the activities of daily living and function and can advise on aids and modifications. Occupational Therapists can provide assessment on residents with:

  • difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL)
  • transfers eg. showering, steps, clutter
  • loss of confidence
  • cognitive, perceptual, neurological and/or sensory problems.

Occupational Therapists may be employed within a facility or contracted to complete assessments – check internal procedures within your facility. For more information on occupational therapy visit Occupational Therapy Australia.

Optometrists/ Opthalmologists
If a client has problems with their vision they have an increased risk of falling. Bi-focal glasses can cause particular problems. Clients should have their eyesight checked regularly and their Optometrist can give advice and help to improve their vision and make sure their glasses/ spectacles are right for them.
For more information on Optometry visit: http://www.optometrists.asn.au/

Podiatrists
Podiatrists are skilled in dealing with problems affecting feet. Poor footwear and problems with your feet can affect balance and stability. Podiatrists can offer help and advice on these issues.
Podiatrist assessment is recommended for:

  • foot, ankle pain with antalgic gait
  • poor sensation
  • poor circulation, eg ulceration, claudication
  • foot deformity affecting foot-ground contact and/or gait
  • marked, persistent foot oedema
  • poorly fitting and/or inappropriate footwear.

Podiatrists may be employed within a facility or contracted to complete assessments – check internal procedures within your facility. For more information on Podiatry visit: http://www.podiatrysa.net.au/

Pharmacists
Pharmacists are able to answer questions about medications and their possible side effects and interactions.

Pharmacists
Pharmacists are able to answer questions about medications and their possible side effects and interactions.

Dietitian/ Nutritionist
Dietitians are skilled in assessment and management of problems with diet and nutrition. A healthy balanced diet can do much to prevent falls and especially to reduce risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
A Dietitian/ Nutritionists assessment is recommended for clients with:

  • sudden or unexplained weight loss
  • malnutrition
  • underweight (BMI <22 kg/m2)
  • poor hydration
  • low dairy intake.

Dietitians/Nutritionists may be employed within a facility or contracted to complete assessments – check internal procedures within your facility. For more information on dietary advice visithttp://www.daa.asn.au/