Fall Prevention Week at Kingsway Care Academy
As part of Fall Prevention week (23 - 27th September 2024), we partnered with a local physio expert, Stephanie, from Home Physio Company in Hove, to train Kingsway CareGivers on how to support clients in maintaining their independence through mobility and balance exercises. We also learned why older Clients may fall over more often and she demonstrates how to safely get up off the floor if you have fallen over at home on your own.
During the training session, Sebastien, our Senior CareGiver and 'fall guy' gives an Oscar-worthy performance, demonstrating how to safely get up from a fall if you are on your own at home. Watch the video below.
Why Do Some Older People Fall More Often?
Stephanie shares several reasons why older people may fall more often in later life.
- Balance impairment
- Strength deficit
- Using visual or mobility aids
- Blood pressure drop causing dizziness when rising from sitting to standing position
Exercises For Fall Prevention
In the TikTok below (or view on our YouTube channel) we catch up with Chris enjoying a strength, balance & mobility class for seniors. This is followed by physio expert Stephanie, and Senior CareGiver Sebastien demonstrating some simple strength and balance exercises.
Here’s what you’ll see:
- Intro: 81-year-old Chris practices mobility and balance exercises with a Kingsway CareGiver and explains why they are essential for ageing well.
- 0:55: Stephanie from Home Physio teaches Kingsway CareGivers about falls prevention.
- 1:40: Stephanie shows how to help someone get up safely after a fall, using a chair for support.
- 3:00: Stephanie explains common reasons for falls in later life, such as strength deficits, medication, and orthostatic hypotension.
- 3:57: Balance Exercise 1: The Single Leg Stand for improved balance.
- 4:32: Balance Exercise 2: The Tandem Walk, walking heel-to-toe to improve stability.
- 5:07: Strengthening Exercise 1: The Sit-to-Stand exercise to build thigh strength.
- 5:52: Strengthening Exercise 2: Squats to help you get back up if you fall.
Why Is Fall Prevention Important?
Falls are a leading cause of injury, especially in later life, but the good news is that there are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk.
By incorporating strength and balance exercises into your routine, checking your medications with a GP or pharmacist, tidying up the house to remove trip hazards, and installing motion sensor lighting for nighttime trips to the loo, you can help prevent falls and hospitalisation from serious injuries they often cause—like broken hips.
Staying fall-free is key to maintaining your mobility and independence so you can age well with confidence.
Trust Kingsway Care and our highly trained team to support you to live well in later life.
Special Day Out for RAF VeteranAgeUK Falls Prevention Tips
