When might protective headwear be considered?
It may be considered where a person has recurrent falls and there is a realistic risk of head impact despite other precautions.
Does a helmet prevent falls?
No. Protective headwear does not improve balance or prevent the fall itself.
Its role is to provide cushioning if the head strikes a surface.
What else should be considered?
- assessment of the cause of falls;
- appropriate footwear;
- walking aids where indicated;
- vision and medication review;
- home or care-environment modifications;
- strength and balance rehabilitation where suitable.
How do you choose a style?
Look at the most common direction of falls and previous injury sites. A discreet cap may be acceptable for some people, while broader rear or side coverage may be more appropriate for others.
Why does wearer acceptance matter?
A product cannot provide useful protection if it is repeatedly removed because it is hot, heavy, uncomfortable or unacceptable in appearance.
What about people with reduced communication?
Carers may need to monitor skin condition, pressure marks, heat and changes in behaviour that could indicate discomfort.
Can headwear be used indoors?
Many soft medical headguards are designed for ordinary indoor and outdoor daily activities.
The environment should still be made as safe as reasonably possible.
When should falls be medically reviewed?
Seek assessment for a new pattern of falls, fainting, sudden weakness, dizziness, new neurological symptoms or injuries that are becoming more frequent.
Important: Head protection should complement, not replace, efforts to understand and reduce the cause of repeated falls.
