Jo Fallowfield Independent Living

Falls put you at serious risk of injury and can be fatal. It is a major cause of injury in older adults, and with an ever-increasing life expectancy it brings challenges around lifestyle and health management.

As an occupational therapist, I consult with people of all ages who have fallen recently or are afraid of falling.

I always recommend individuals speak to their GP to identify certain added risks of falling, as some medications and other medical disorders can increase a person's risk of falling.

Anyone afraid of falling, or who has had a fall, can self-refer or be referred to an occupational therapist.

The occupational therapist can assess the person's daily activities, as well as assess their home environment and make recommendations for any home modifications that may benefit the individual.

Funding is available through the district health board, and self-funded through private occupational therapists.

The Falls Prevention Centre of Excellence advises that 'adapting or converting the physical environment such as removing any hazards, adding any assistive devices and changing how/where activities occur to minimise risk” as important aspects to preventing unnecessary falls.

Once the GP has discounted any other possible medical causes, you can consider the use of daily living aids such as grab rails, wheeled kitchen trolleys, toilet aids, bathing equipment, or a bed lever to assist you. These can really decrease an individual's risk of falling.

Jo Fallowfield is a New Zealand-registered occupational therapist who owns and operates Mobility Solutions BOP with her husband Joseph in Mount Maunganui.