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NewsMedicines and falls: a useful read from Australian Ageing Agenda
By Dr Tom Hitchcock, founder of Mr Purple (LinkedIn)
A quick share, because it is a good one. Australian Ageing Agenda is running a series called Rethinking medicines, written by a team of pharmacists and geriatric medicine specialists, and part 3 is all about falls.
Read Rethinking medicines part 3: fall risk increasing medicines
Why we are sharing it
The article makes a point that often gets missed: some medicines can make a fall more likely, through drowsiness, dizziness, unsteady balance or a drop in blood pressure on standing. A fall, or a near miss, is a good moment to ask for a medication review.
That matters for older people, and just as much for people with disability or anyone taking several medicines at once. It is written for the aged care workforce, but families and carers will find it clear and practical too.
What you can do
- Ask the GP or pharmacist for a medication review, especially after a fall or a new prescription.
- Never stop or change a medicine on your own; talk it through with the prescriber first.
- Keep an eye on the quiet signs: someone going out less because they are worried about falling.
Fewer falls starts with the right medicines. Knowing quickly when one does happen is the other half, and that is where Seenyor fall detection helps, with no wearable to forget. If you would like to see it in action, book a demo.
Common questions
Can medicines really increase the risk of a fall?
Yes. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, poor balance or a drop in blood pressure, which can all make a fall more likely.
Should I stop a medicine if I think it is causing falls?
No. Speak to the GP or pharmacist first, as stopping some medicines suddenly can cause harm; a medication review is the safe way to check.
Who is the Australian Ageing Agenda article written for?
It is written for the aged care workforce, but families, carers and disability support workers will find its guidance clear and useful too.
Not sure what fits?
Tell us the setting and the outcome you are after, and we will point you the right way.