Dementia Falls Prevention Tips | Dementia Toolkit Series | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #24

Did You Know? 90% of Dementia-Related Injuries Are Due to Falls.
Two-thirds of people living with dementia are at risk of falls.

Welcome to this eye-opening episode of the Common Memory Café Podcast, where we dive deep into the critical topic of falls among people living with dementia. In this episode, our expert guest, Paul Cadger, Dementia Education Lead at Kernow Health CIC, shares his extensive knowledge—drawing on his background as a physiotherapist—to explain:

What exactly constitutes a fall?
Paul clarifies the definition of a fall, highlighting the importance of understanding what unintentional drops from one level to another really mean.

Risk factors and triggers:
Discover why aging, muscle weakness, medication interactions, visual impairments, and even environmental factors (like poorly contrasted home settings) play a huge role in fall risk. Did you know that a study in Australia found that 90% of all injuries in people with dementia were related to falls?

Identifying and assessing fall risks:
Learn about the key questions healthcare professionals use to assess fall risk—beyond just asking if someone has fallen in the last year—and why a multifactorial falls risk assessment is essential.

Practical strategies for prevention:
Paul discusses actionable steps that carers, people living with dementia, and care providers can take. From adjusting your home environment (e.g., ensuring proper contrast on surfaces) to engaging in strength and balance exercises, these insights can make a real difference.

The broader impact on quality of life:
Understand how a single fall can lead to a downward spiral in confidence and physical health, and why early intervention and tailored support are so crucial.

Guest Information:
Paul Cadger – Dementia Education Lead, Kernow Health CIC
📧 Email: paul.cadger@nhs.net