We often look at problems but don't realize they are problems until we look at them retrospectively. As one says, looking back shows everything in 6/6 clarity.
When the older adult falls, the causes for the fall have happened in the preceding months, and we need to identify them.
What makes one more likely to fall
- Past history of a fall
- Lower-extremity weakness
- Age
- Female sex
- Cognitive impairment
- Balance problems
- Hearing loss
- Psychotropic drug use (for example, sleeping pills)
- Arthritis
- History of stroke
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Dizziness
- Anaemia
How do these present in practical terms
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Memory loss
- Joint pain
- Dizziness on standing
- Increased sleepiness in the daytime
The way forward is not to ignore these symptoms, and not to brush them off as ageing.
Take the assessment and find out areas of vulnerability so a catastrophic fall can be avoided.