Fall Prevention
According to the CDC, more than 25% of people over the age of 65 will fall each year. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury and fractures in older adults. Medical costs also increase each year due to falls. A total of 70% of falls are due to the following risk factors:
- Strength deficits
- Balance deficits
- Mobility deficits
- Medication errors
- Polypharmacy
- Vision impairment
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
To decrease your overall risk of falls, skilled physical therapy will focus on the below interventions, as evidence suggests in doing so fall risk is decreased:
- Balance exercises while seated and standing
- Lower and upper extremity safety
- Safety while completing transfers
- Walking safety
- Possible need for an assistive device
- Education regarding medical risk factors
- Home exercise program
Your physical therapist will complete an individualized examination and assessment. During this examination your strength, balance, range of motion and coordination will be tested. Following the examination, your physical therapist will discuss your potential fall risks and work with you to develop an individualized plan of care to decrease said fall risks.
Click the link below for more information about Fall Prevention and to Check Your Risk for Falling:
