BALANCE / FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

Many patients who are referred to us for a particular diagnosis also complain of poor balance, fear of falling or a history of falls.  In order to better serve these patients we have developed balance and fall prevention exercises to incorporate into their physical therapy program.

1 in EVERY 3 ADULTS AGE 65 AND OLDER FALLS

Outcomes

Fall Prevention

Decrease Hip Fracture Risk

• Leading cause of injury death
• Most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma
• 20-30% suffer lacerations, hip fractures or head traumas
• Most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Over 90% hip fractures caused by falls
• 1 out of 5 hip fracture patients dies within a year of injury
• Up to 1 in 4 adults living independently before a hip fracture remain in a nursing home at least 1 year
• Many individuals develop a fear of falling which causes them to limit their activity and leads to decreased mobility and physical fitness which then increases their risk for future falls

• Regular exercise focused on strength, flexibility and balance specific activities
• Identify prescription and over the counter medications that may cause interactions or side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness
• Regular eye exams and updated lenses
• Eliminate tripping hazards in the home and install non-slip surfaces and grab bars where needed

• Perform weight-bearing exercises
• Get adequate calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements
• Get screened and treated for osteoporosis