Experts from the Centre for Quality in Care, or ZQP for short, point out to relatives of elderly people at risk of falling that the risk of falling can be minimised with the help of tips and advice from the ZQP, because according to statistics, one in ten people in need of outpatient care generally fall once within 14 days. In order to prevent this from happening, people who are insecure about walking should regularly pay attention to movement in everyday life and train their muscle strength, mobility, coordination and sense of balance, but without experiencing pressure and stress. Relatives should therefore provide motivational support. According to the centre’s expertise, insecure gait and experience with falls would lead to such groups of people moving even less because of fear and insecurity. Social exclusion as well as other physical and psychological consequences have further negative effects. For this reason, the experts recommend walks and light movement exercises in everyday life, which can also be used as a movement plan in physiotherapy. In addition, the health insurance company offers a range of exercise so that the independence and range of movement of those affected can be maintained, because otherwise people often end up in a vicious circle after negative fall experiences. The risk factors also include muscle and visual weakness as well as bladder weakness and the use of certain drugs. According to ZQP expert Daniela Sulmann, the design of the home environment is also crucial for preventing falls, such as the removal of tripping hazards through carpets and cables. Handles and handrails can also help here, as well as level surfaces for wheelchair and walker users. On the portal www.pflege-praevention.de assistance-looking for gets advice.
Source: Aerzteblatt