Falls and Environmental Considerations

About 50% of falls occur within an individual’s home and immediate surroundings.

Environmental modifications can help to reduce risk factors for falls.  Modification includes checking the persons home for hazards that might cause them to fall, and then modifying or rearranging the environment or remove or minimise these hazards e.g. untidy electrical cords, poor lighting, loose carpet, slippery and uneven surfaces.

How we can help

Occupational Therapy safety assessments that are comprehensive and focused demonstrate a reduction of falls for our community clients. An Occupational Therapist has the skills to evaluate individuals to determine their capacity to plan and perform activities of daily living and to meet the functional demands of the environment.

An Occupational Therapist will evaluate the persons functional status, beliefs and evaluate physical resources (strength, range of movement, coordination, sensation and balance) such as:

Environmental interventions

Effective environmental interventions include, provision of adequate lighting and glare reduction, assistive equipment to support functional transfers and mobility, modifications on a minor and major level, removal of hazards, maintenance of footpaths and access, monitoring alarms, cognitive retraining and considerations for “risk versus quality of life”.  The physical environment takes on greater significance for individuals with diminished physical, sensory and cognitive capacity.  This may adversely affect their interaction with the environment.

Environmental modification

Environmental modification interventions are most likely to be effective in individuals who already have an increased risk of falls and having these reviewed regular is advised. Individuals considered to be at higher risk of falling are advised to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist for specific environmental or equipment needs and training to maximise safety.