[Prevention of falls in the elderly and physiotherapy]

Frequency and dangerousness of falls in elderly people are a public health problem because of its prevalence and its consequences. Because of its high frequency a program designed to avoid the risk of fall and to restore the balance is of importance. Nowadays in Belgium, only the ones belonging to the F-pathology list are reimbursed for the walking functional reeducation. The troubles of walking and balance increasing the risk of falls, are evaluated by different tests like: Tinetti's test (POMA), Time-up-and-go tests. To screen the patient in its physical psychological and environmental sides is mandatory. The physiotherapist is the key to evaluate the patient globally. The main aim is to restore the patient's independence after a fall and to ensure an optimal quality of live. A functional reeducation including the relearning of walking, balance, standing up and proprioception is a must. A preventive way should be more adequate for the patient at risk and the society. A prevention program for fall involving a multidisciplinary team could be the solution of the public health's problem. A lost still remains to be done! In some countries such programs do exist. They inform the elderly about falls' risks and the sometimes tragic consequences. To prevent falls, GP's, ergotherapists, physiotherapists, nurses and social workers have to work together.