Do you feel as though your balance isn’t as good as it used to be? Now is the best time to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls and injury.
The Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society reports about 30 per cent of adults over 65 experience at least one fall a year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions in this age group. These falls often have long-term effects on a person’s independence and are a common reason for them being admitted to aged-care facilities.
Age is a key risk factor in fall-induced injuries. A fall that may not have caused any injury to a younger person can often be more severe to an older person. Beyond the pain of the initial injury, a falls-related injury can result in loss of physical function, loss of confidence, decreased quality of life and an increased dependence on others for basic tasks.
To help reduce your risk of falls, you can take part in a falls and balance program at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital. Offered by a multidisciplinary Allied Health team, the program includes targeted exercises to help improve your balance alongside education sessions about common falls risks and what you can do to avoid and overcome them.
If you are interested in learning more, speak with your GP about a referral to St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital’s falls and balance program.
ST JOHN OF GOD FRANKSTON REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
A: 255-265 Cranbourne Road Frankston
T: 9788 3333
W: www.sjog.org.au/frankston
FB: sjoghealthcare
