MANAGEMENT OF BALANCE PROBLEMS
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
Balance
provides the foundation for the body to perform
activities of daily living. It is the result of
interactions between the individual, the task and the
environment. If one part has started to be affected for
whatever reason, then all parts will be affected,
leading to loss of confidence, ability, sensation,
strength and motivation.
It becomes more difficult to perform activities of daily
living and gradually your body sets up new safety zones
that you dare not move out of. The limits of these
safety zones may have been set consciously,
sub-consciously or automatically so you might not even
realise how limiting they have become. It is the
Therapist's role to recognise these limits and help lead
the Patient safely and confidently into expanding them
and therefore improving activities of daily living.
Assessment of balance problems and for falls prevention
must cover many different factors, in accordance with
NICE guidelines. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
These may include the history of falls, assessment of
gait, balance, mobility, muscle weakness, osteoporosis
risk, visual impairment, urinary incontinence, cognitive
impairment and neurological examination and the older
person’s perceived functional ability and fear relating
to falling.
The home should also be assessed for hazards.
There should have been a cardiovascular examination and
medication review, preferably prior to physiotherapy
starting.
Professional management needs to incorporate further
measures that can be taken to prevent further falls. This may include other health care workers, not just the
Physiotherapist. The patient needs to be able to remain
motivated if further referral is necessary for falls
prevention strategies. The preventable nature of
some falls needs to be addressed as well as how to cope
if a fall occurs, including how to summon help and how
to avoid a long lie. All patients should be informed
where further advice and assistance can be found. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
NICE Guideline − Falls 14 This guideline should
be used in conjunction with the National Service
Framework for Older People (2001) in England and will
support the implementation of Standard Six and Standard
Two (Falls and Single Assessment Process) and Medicines
management. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to see details of TREATMENT OPTIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|