Episode 62. Falls in the Elderly with Dr Kim Tew
Each year in Australia, over 125,000 of our more elderly population are admitted to hospital consequent to a fall. About a third of people over the age of 65 years fall each year and this figure rises exponentially with age. In up to 10% of falls, serious injuries such as fractures (a third of which are hip), soft tissue injuries and direct brain injuries arise. Falls and injuries from falls have serious implications and consequences.
In this podcast episode we are joined by geriatrician Dr Kim Tew who discusses:
· The complex relationship between balance, ambulation, cognitive function, neuromuscular function and cardiovascular function
· Appropriate management of an elderly patient following a fall
· The importance of early referral to a falls clinic or geriatrician with a view to careful work up, the deprescribing of medication, engagement of physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Please join me in this interesting episode with Kim.
Useful references include:
- www.monash.edu – Fall-related injury profile for Victorians aged 65 – Monash University
To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au
Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.