🩺🚶‍♂️ Worried about falls? Discover the essential screenings to keep you and your loved ones safe from unexpected tumbles! #FallPrevention #StaySafe #HealthyLiving

Falling down is something that may not concern us when we are young. However, your risk of falling increases as you grow older. Also, the effects of falls are more serious for older people, causing pain, disability, loss of independence and premature death.

Here, we shall learn the simple things you can do to assess if you or your loved ones are safe from falling down.

Screening Questionnaire

Do the STEADI Stay Independent questionnaire. This should be done for all elderly persons annually.

Alternatively, ask yourself these 3 questions:

• Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
• Do you worry about falling?
• Have you fallen in the past year?

If you scored more than 3 on the questionnaire of answered yes to any of the questions above, it is recommended to visit a family physician or a geriatrician to assess further, including the screening tests shown below.

Screening Tests

These tests have been shown to be good indicators of your risk of falling. These should be done only in a safe environment – always have someone supervising who is capable of catching you in case you fall down. The person supervising can also help to time you for the tests.

It is recommended to visit a family physician or a geriatrician to assess further if you have any abnormal results.

TIMED UP AND GO TEST

For the timed up and go test, you will stand up from a chair, walks 10 feet, turns around, then walks back to the chair and sits down. Older adults who complete the test in 12 or more seconds are at increased fall risk, with slower completion times indicating higher risk.

30-SECOND CHAIR STAND TEST

The 30-second chair stand test assesses your ability to stand up and sit down over 30 seconds without using their hands on the chair. You should perform as many sit-to-stand sequences as you can in the 30-second time frame. If you are unable to stand without using your hands, the test result is 0.

FOUR-STAGE BALANCE TEST

The four-stage balance test was developed as a quick and straightforward assessment of static balance using four different foot positions. These consist of feet together, feet together with one foot a few inches forward, tandem stance (with one foot directly in front of the other), and single-leg stance. You should hold each position for 10 seconds. Loss of balance during any of the four stages indicates an increased risk of falls.

Falls Prevention

Other than screening regularly for fall risks as shown above, you can reduce the risk of falls for yourself and your loved ones by exercising regularly, keeping your home environment safe, going for regular eye checkups and wearing proper footwear. More information can be found in the links below:

• https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/aap/falls-prevention
• https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/tips-on-fall-prevention

Conclusion

Remember, a proactive approach today can ensure a safer tomorrow. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep those feet firmly on the ground! 🩺🚶‍♂️✨