Fall prevention in seniors

Simple lifestyle changes, home safety measures, and regular check-ups can greatly reduce fall risks in elders

- Dr Noor Gill

Aarthi Kannan is a consultant Geriatric Clinic at P.D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre at Khar, Mumbai.

The practice of geriatrics has been around for a while even though qualified super specialists in Geriatric Medicine are very few. So far, it is other specialists which include orthopedicians, general surgeons, medical specialists who have been taking care of the elderly.

Thus, the onus of taking care of a geriatric patient lies with everyone and has been fulfilled to a large extent by the doctors who have already been in the system.

The specialised care and knowledge that need to be tailored for a geriatric patient and delivered, and the training on how to deliver it to an electrolyte patient lies with a specially trained and equipped Geriatrician/ geriatric physician.

If it is an emergency situation or emergency care that you need, you need to reach out to the A&E department (Accident and Emergency), because life is first; if it is primary care and advice that you require then you should reach out to a geriatrician as a first point of contact.

One of the biggest concerns around ageing for the individual, the children and attendants is how to stay independent and prevent falls.

It is not just about staying healthy and managing chronic ailments. It is also about needs to be a proactive effort.