Preventing falls in the elderly: Opportunities and alternatives

Abstract

About 30% of older people who fall lose their self-confidence and start to go out less often. Inactivity leads to social isolation and further loss of muscle strength and balance, increasing the risk of falling again. The causes of falls can be multiple, and there are several successful preventive programs that occupational therapists (OTs) have had a key role in developing and implementing. These include (a) home environmental adaptations conducted on home visits-the Westmead approach, (b) a multifaceted group educational program based on cognitive learning techniques-the Stepping On program, and (c) a nontraditional approach to balance and strength training embedded in daily routines-the LiFE program. All three are evidence based with randomized trial evidence and are manualized to enable therapists to implement them.