In this guide
With age, muscles weaken, balance becomes less sure, and the fear of falling often makes people move less, which weakens them further. A physiotherapist can break this cycle: they help an older person keep their strength, balance and independence, and avoid falls. At home, they work where the difficulties really are: the bed, the toilet, the stairs, the way to the front door.
When to call a physio
There is no need to wait for a fall. A physio can help an older person, on a doctor’s prescription, for example:
- after a fall, even without a fracture, or when the fear of falling keeps them from going out or getting up alone;
- when they struggle to get up from a chair, walk more slowly or hold on to furniture;
- after a hospital stay or an illness that kept them in bed for a long time;
- with painful arthritis of the knees, hips or back;
- after a stroke, with Parkinson’s disease or another condition that affects walking;
- when they are bedridden, to look after their joints, breathing and comfort.
What the physio does in the sessions
The physio starts with an assessment: how the person gets up, stands, walks and turns, and what scares or hurts them. They then set simple goals with them and their family, such as going to the toilet alone or walking to the door. They may:
- strengthen the legs and trunk with suitable exercises, without complicated equipment;
- work on balance, so they feel safer walking and turning;
- teach them how to get up from the floor after a fall, and how to call for help;
- get them walking again, and choose the right aid with them: a cane or a walker, at the right height;
- ease pain and keep the joints supple;
- for a bedridden person, move them, help them change position and look after their breathing, to limit stiffness and pressure sores.
Making the home safe from falls
Most falls happen at home. The physio can spot dangers during their visits, and a few simple changes greatly reduce the risk:
- remove slippery rugs and trailing cables, and clear the way;
- light the home well, especially at night between the bedroom and the toilet;
- fit grab bars by the toilet and in the shower, with a non-slip mat;
- wear closed shoes that hold the foot well, rather than slippers;
- keep everyday things within reach, without climbing on a chair;
- get up slowly, sitting on the edge of the bed for a few seconds first.
Also ask the doctor about medicines that cause dizziness or drowsiness, and have eyesight checked regularly.
What a home session looks like
A session usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, at the person’s pace: the physio adapts the effort to their tiredness and pain. All it takes is a stable chair with armrests and a little space to walk.
Having a relative there, at least at first, helps a lot: the physio shows them how to support the exercises and help the person stand without hurting their own back. The pace is often two or three sessions a week, set with the doctor.
Signs that mean calling for help
After a fall, call emergency services at once (15 or 141) if the person has severe hip pain or can no longer stand, if they hit their head (especially if they take a blood-thinning medicine), if they vomit, become confused or drowsy, or if one side of the body becomes weak or speech becomes difficult. Don’t force them to get up.
Also tell the doctor about repeated falls, weight loss, new breathlessness or tiredness that sets in.
Reimbursement
When prescribed by a doctor, physiotherapy can be covered by AMO (CNSS or CNOPS) or your insurer, depending on your cover. You need the prescription and a care sheet filled in by the physio. On Kinezy, physios who provide one say so on their profile.
This guide gives general information. It doesn’t replace the advice of your doctor or physio, who know your situation.