Fall prevention
We all get older and accidents can happen easily; the elderly have an increased risk of falling or tripping. In the Netherlands, every 6 minutes a person over 65 falls in such a way that treatment in an Emergency Department is necessary.
What can the physiotherapist do for you?
Training balance and improving leg muscle strength is extremely beneficial for preventing falls. This also reduces the fear of falling and, consequently, the risk of breaking something.
A physiotherapist specializing in 'fall prevention' can assist you with an exercise program that focuses on flexibility, strength, coordination, and balance.
For whom?
This can help both people who want to prevent falling and those who have already fallen.
How does it work?
If you fall and there is a chance that this will happen again, a healthcare provider may advise you to have a fall risk assessment performed. For this, the general practitioner must send a referral to the physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist at SGH will then use questionnaires and a number of tests to determine whether you have a low, medium, or high risk of falling. Following this, the GP will advise you on the extent to which further steps are necessary.
The possibilities are:
Refer to Sportservice Haarlemmermeer for appropriate exercise advice.
Refer to a group class of Otago fall prevention training at one of the health centers.
Refer to a customized one-on-one Otago fall prevention training with the physiotherapist.
For more information, you can contact your physiotherapist or general practitioner.
Are the fall risk assessment and fall prevention training reimbursed?
Yes, currently most health insurers reimburse this guidance. For more information about this, please contact your health insurer.