At Melbourne Neurocare, we understand that falls are a significant concern, particularly for older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. Falls can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and a loss of confidence, leading to reduced independence and quality of life. Our team is dedicated to helping patients prevent falls through comprehensive assessments, personalised interventions, and ongoing support.

Why Are Falls a Concern?

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, especially among older adults and those with neurological conditions. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and balance disorders can increase the risk of falls due to muscle weakness, impaired coordination, dizziness, or cognitive impairment.

The consequences of a fall can be severe and may include:

• Injuries: Falls often lead to fractures, particularly of the hip, wrist, and spine, as well as head injuries that can require hospitalisation and long recovery times.
• Reduced Mobility: After a fall, patients may become afraid of falling again, leading to reduced physical activity, which further weakens muscles and increases fall risk.
• Loss of Independence: Frequent falls can lead to a loss of independence, requiring individuals to rely on caregivers or assistive devices for daily tasks.

Our Approach to Falls Prevention and Management

At Melbourne Neurocare, we take a proactive and personalised approach to falls prevention. Our goal is to identify each patient’s unique risk factors, implement strategies to reduce fall risk, and provide rehabilitative care to improve balance, strength, and confidence.

Comprehensive Falls Risk Assessment

The first step in preventing falls is understanding the underlying causes. Our team conducts a detailed assessment to identify physical, neurological, and environmental factors that may increase the risk of falling. The assessment includes:

• Neurological Evaluation: A thorough neurological exam to assess cognitive function, reflexes, balance, and coordination. Conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy can contribute to falls, and our specialists are trained to address these issues.
• Gait and Balance Testing: We use specialised tools and techniques to evaluate a patient’s walking pattern (gait) and balance. This helps us identify any abnormalities or areas of weakness that may contribute to instability.
• Strength and Mobility Assessment: Muscle weakness or joint stiffness can increase the risk of falls. Our physiotherapists assess muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility to develop targeted interventions.
• Medication Review: Certain medications, particularly those used to treat neurological conditions or pain, can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the likelihood of falls. We review all medications and adjust prescriptions when necessary.
• Home Environment Evaluation: Falls are often caused by environmental factors, such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces. Our team can provide guidance on making the home safer to reduce fall risk.

Personalised Fall Prevention Strategies

After identifying a patient’s risk factors, we develop a personalised fall prevention plan tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Our interventions may include:

• Balance and Strength Training: Our neurophysiotherapists design exercises to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, which are essential for preventing falls. These exercises may focus on improving core strength, leg strength, and stability.
• Assistive Devices: Depending on the patient’s level of mobility, we may recommend using assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or grab bars to provide additional support and stability.
• Gait Training: For patients with abnormal walking patterns, such as those caused by Parkinson’s disease or stroke, we offer gait retraining to help improve walking efficiency and safety.
• Vestibular Therapy: For patients with dizziness or balance disorders, our vestibular therapy program helps reduce dizziness and improve balance by retraining the brain’s response to balance signals.
• Home Modifications: We provide guidance on how to make the home safer, including the installation of grab bars, proper lighting, and the removal of tripping hazards like loose rugs or cluttered walkways.

Falls Rehabilitation

For individuals who have experienced a fall, rehabilitation is crucial in restoring mobility, confidence, and independence. Our rehabilitation services are designed to address both the physical and emotional impact of falls.

• Physical Therapy: Our team works with patients to restore strength, balance, and mobility following a fall, ensuring that they regain their independence as quickly and safely as possible.
• Fear of Falling Management: After a fall, many patients develop a fear of falling again, which can lead to reduced activity and further physical decline. We offer psychological support and balance confidence training to help patients overcome this fear and stay active.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Falls prevention requires ongoing attention, especially for individuals with progressive neurological conditions. At Melbourne Neurocare, we provide continuous support and regular assessments to monitor changes in mobility, balance, and overall health. We adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure long-term fall prevention and safety.

Why Choose Melbourne Neurocare for Falls Prevention and Management?

At Melbourne Neurocare, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to help patients prevent falls and maintain their independence. When you choose us, you benefit from:

• Expert Care: Our team of neurologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists has extensive experience in managing falls risk, particularly for individuals with neurological conditions.
• Personalised Treatment: We understand that every patient is unique, and we develop customised fall prevention plans tailored to each person’s specific needs and health condition.
• Holistic Approach: We address the physical, environmental, and emotional factors that contribute to falls, ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s well-being are considered.
• Ongoing Support: Falls prevention is an ongoing process, and we provide continuous monitoring and support to ensure long-term safety and independence. 

Take Control of Your Safety and Prevent Falls

If you or a loved one is at risk of falling, Melbourne Neurocare is here to help. Our expert team will work with you to reduce fall risk, improve your strength and balance, and maintain your independence.

To schedule a falls risk assessment or learn more about our fall prevention services, please contact Melbourne Neurocare today.