Falls in the Elderly

This Falls in the Elderly course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to address one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The course is divided into five focused units, each offering actionable strategies to improve patient care.

Unit 1: Definition and Statistics
Begin with an overview of falls, including the World Health Organization’s definition and the significance of falls in the elderly population. Explore alarming statistics, such as the 28%-35% annual fall rate among individuals aged 65+, and learn where and why these incidents occur. This unit highlights the physical and societal impacts of falls, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Unit 2: Prevention
Discover the four primary categories of fall risk factors—biological, behavioural, environmental, and socioeconomic—and learn strategies to mitigate them. This unit emphasises community-wide interventions, such as modifying public spaces and increasing awareness, alongside individual-level strategies like home modifications, education, and physical activity programs to reduce fall risks.

Unit 3: Screening
Master the art of fall risk screening using validated tools such as the Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FRPOP) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Learn to identify individuals at high risk, focusing on key predictors like age, history of falls, and polypharmacy. This unit also introduces emerging technologies and integrated screening approaches to streamline patient evaluation.

Unit 4: Assessment
Dive into comprehensive falls risk assessments, designed to uncover intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. This unit outlines the steps for conducting thorough histories, physical examinations, and home evaluations. Learn how to address issues like cognitive impairment, mobility challenges, and environmental hazards, ensuring a holistic understanding of each patient’s unique needs.

Unit 5: Management
Develop tailored management plans to reduce fall risks and enhance quality of life. Topics include:
- Referrals to physiotherapists or occupational therapists for exercise and mobility improvement.
- Medication reviews to minimise fall-inducing drugs.
- Preventive measures, including vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
- Access to evidence-based fall reduction programs like Stepping On, which combine education and exercise in a supportive group setting. Gain practical tools to incorporate fall prevention into clinical practice, from audits and reminders to staff training and patient education.

This course equips healthcare professionals to proactively identify, assess, and manage fall risks, fostering safer and more independent lives for elderly patients.