Rationale for Falls Assessment
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Let's expand:
1. Determine ETIOLOGY
Based on beliefs that multiple fall risk factors appear in various combinations.
- Multifactorial fall risk assessment
- with interventions tailored to identified risk factors
- gait
- balance
- medication review
- cognitive screen
- feet and footwear
- use of mobility aids
- visual acuity
2. Identify INTERVENTIONS
Components should include:
- Patient engagement/education – Maximize safer mobility falls often limit mobility to ensure education and transitions to keep the patient mobile
- Exercise program – balance, gait, and/or strength training (+/- endurance and flexibility training) in groups or individualized program (PT/OT)
- Modify medications
- Address foot problems
- Optimize vision
- Optimize home safety
3. Reduce FALL RISK
Follow-up with patient. Review care plan. Identify potential barriers to adherence. Discuss maintenance plan (eg, exercise program, use of mobility aids, avoid high-risk medications or behaviors). Educate and empower.
Abbreviations
OT, occupational therapy;
PT, physical therapy.