Falls and Poor Balance in Older People
Falls are common in older adults and are a leading cause of broken hips, wrist fractures and head injuries. They are rarely just bad luck. Weak leg muscles, poor balance, low blood pressure on standing, poor eyesight, foot problems, certain medicines, and hazards at home such as loose rugs, wet bathroom floors, steps and poor lighting at night all play a part. Many older people in Nigeria hide a fall from their children, or stop going out for fear of falling, which weakens the muscles further. Strength and balance exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls, and a physiotherapist can teach it and check the home at the same time. A doctor should review the medical causes.
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Symptoms
- A fall, or several, in the past year
- Feeling unsteady on standing, walking or turning
- Needing to hold furniture or walls to move around the house
- Difficulty getting up from a chair without using the arms
- Dizziness or light-headedness when standing up
- Fear of falling that stops you going out
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor after any fall in an older person, even without injury, to check blood pressure, heart rhythm, eyesight, blood sugar and medicines. Go to an emergency department after a fall with a head injury in someone taking blood thinners, a blow to the head followed by drowsiness, vomiting or confusion, being unable to stand or bear weight, a shortened or turned-out leg, or pain in the hip or wrist. Get emergency help for a fall with chest pain, palpitations, sudden weakness on one side or slurred speech, or a blackout.
Treatment options
- A medical review of blood pressure, heart, eyesight, feet and medicines
- Physiotherapy: progressive strength and balance training, such as sit-to-stand and walking practice
- A home safety check: lighting, rugs, grab rails in the bathroom and toilet, stair rails
- The right walking aid, fitted and taught
- Practice in how to get up safely after a fall, and a way to call for help
- Bone health assessment and treatment where osteoporosis is likely
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
My mother fell but was not hurt. Does she need to see anyone?
Yes. One fall is a strong predictor of another, and the next may cause a fracture. A doctor's review and a strength and balance programme reduce the risk.
Can exercise really prevent falls?
Yes. Strength and balance training done regularly over several months is one of the best-proven ways to prevent falls in older people. It needs to be progressive and continued, not a few sessions.
What changes at home help prevent falls?
Good lighting, especially at night on the way to the toilet, removing loose rugs and clutter, grab rails in the bathroom and toilet, non-slip mats, rails on both sides of stairs, and well-fitting shoes rather than loose slippers.
Need Help?
Paid online. Assessment and a home exercise programme on the first visit.
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