an event which causes a person to, unintentionally, rest on the ground or lower level

Consider the BIo-Psycho-Social implications of a fall and how these factors can be managed - Not only do falls often lead to injuries they also impact patients confidence and independence.

Epidemiology: Around one-third of elderly people living in the community fall every year.

Gait and falling

Normal gait involves:

• The neurological system - basal ganglia and cortical basal ganglia loop.
• The musculoskeletal system (which must have appropriate tone and strength).
• Effective processing of the senses such as sight, sound, and sensation (fine touch and proprioception).

As individuals get older they are more likely to experience medical problems affecting these systems, which leads to gait abnormalities and increases the risk of falls.

Causes of falls

Intrinsic factors:

• Lower limb muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Balance/gait disturbances (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and parkinson's disease etc)
• Polypharmacy (4+ medications)
• Incontinence

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