Helping seniors overcome ‘fear’ of falling

Aysha Bandali, Advanced Practice Leader – Nurse, Residential and Aging in Place Program at Baycrest

A story that appeared in the Saturday Star last month – “After the fall” (Nov. 19, 2011) – really resonated with me. I have a grandfather who fell about five years ago and suffered a hip fracture for which he had to undergo a total hip replacement. My grandfather was one of the lucky ones in that he was able to regain functioning and still manage to live independently in an apartment with his wife. But since then, the one difference I have noticed about him is his lack of confidence and his fear of falling. I don't think we fully appreciate the negative impact just the fear of falling can have on a person's psyche and quality of life. My grandfather has stopped exercising (an activity he used to enjoy), deliberately limits his fluid intake so he doesn't have to walk to the bathroom as much, and avoids going to crowed places or family gatherings.

Extreme fear of falling can cause seniors to limit their participation in physical and social activities, so that they become physically deconditioned, socially isolated, and likely depressed. Hearing about the downward spiral of seniors after having a fall and suffering serious injury is an all too familiar story among our elderly population. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At Baycrest, we recognize the importance of having a Falls Prevention Program that is built on the premise of group therapy, mutual support, adult education, evidence-based risk management, empowerment, and an exercise program tailored for older adults. Falls are often the result of many contributing factors, and thus falls prevention interventions must be tailored to include multiple strategies. Baycrest provides an outpatient education and exercise program for older adults living in the community who have experienced one or more falls and/or near misses, or have a fear of falling. The large variety of educational sessions, which are informative and interactive, are facilitated by Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, and Nursing.  Exercise sessions are offered through both our Therapeutic Recreationist, who does a seated exercise program and a Physiotherapist, who conducts both seated and standing exercises using the bars. The program is held twice weekly for eight weeks, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. There are four programs per year and the cost of the program is covered by OHIP.

Clients in the program get the opportunity to share, connect, and learn from each others' experiences and life stories, all while engaging in balance, flexibility and strengthening exercises. My grandfather, who has always been the backbone and decision-maker of the family, doesn't always follow his physician's advice. He may be more inclined, however, to take advice from a fellow program member who has a similar story to his, and who also fears falling. The combination of mutual support, education and group therapy promotes a support system, social activation and increased fitness –all of which are important components of falls prevention.

If you are interested, or know of someone who could benefit from the Falls Prevention Program at Baycrest, here are the admission requirements:

• 65 years of age or older
• medically and cognitively well enough to participate in group activities
• able to walk 25 metres with or without a walking aid
• able to arrange their own transportation
• reside within the program's catchment area (between Steeles and St. Clair avenues, and Keele and Yonge streets)
• physician referral

For more information, call 416-785-2500 Ext. 2588

Aysha Bandali is an Advanced Practice Leader – Nurse for the Residential and Aging in Place Program at Baycrest. She is responsible for supporting clinical care, research, education, leadership, consultation and collaboration, utilizing an academic approach targeted to the patient, family and organizational needs.