Stay Safe by Staying Active
We all likely know someone in their golden years that has fallen ‘because of’ their age. In fact, many of us just assume that falling is a natural part of aging. While falling may be common in older adults, it is in no way a normal part of aging. Despite this, the numbers are still staggering! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “every second of every day, an older adult in the U.S. falls-making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group.” That is roughly 36 million adults aged 65 and older that fall each year, with approximately 8 million of those individuals suffering significant injuries such as a broken bone or head injury. Wouldn’t it be great if there was something we could do to prevent falls?
One of the main objectives of healthcare professionals, like primary care physicians and physical therapists, who work with aging adults is to identify the need for care prior to a fall occurring. Conversations centered around discussing fall risks and asking if a fall has ever occurred are a great start as many seniors don’t even tell anyone about their fall!
MVPT Physical Therapy here for you! Your physical therapist is a member of your healthcare team that can help you retain your independence!
Some of the most common symptoms indicating a risk for fall include:
- Muscle weakness, especially in legs
- Poor balance, unsteady on feet
- Decline in eyesight and hearing
- Holding on to objects such as counters or furniture while walking “just incase”
- Other chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis
So, you may be wondering what can be done for yourself, your parents, or your grandparents to help keep the risk of falling as low as possible? Prevention, prevention, prevention!!! Identifying fall risks is the first step toward proactively lessening the likelihood of falls. One good place to start is by talking to trained professional with a knowledge of how to assess the current level of risk, and design personalize programs to target each person’s individual needs. At MVPT, our physical therapists have many tools to utilize exactly for this purpose.
Is a Fall Risk Program for You?
Outpatient physical therapy balance and fall risk programs are a proactive tool. Most insurance plans such as private health insurance, Medicare or Medicare replacement plans cover these services. At MVPT, we utilize the most recent research to identify risks and challenges. With the results, we design a program that is tailored to improving safety and independence, and giving our patient the function needed to remain active. Patient education is key at MVPT, with our continued support to our patients even after discharge. Along with your primary care provider, eye doctor, or any other specialty medical provider, your physical therapist is a member of your healthcare team! We are only a phone call away when questions or needs arise.
Are you at risk and how can you get started?
One common tool healthcare providers use, The Physician Fall Risk Screen, is recommended by the American Geriatrics Society, and consists of three questions:
- Has the individual had 2 or more falls in the prior 12 months?
- Does the individual present with an acute fall?
- Does the individual have a self-reported or is there an observed difficulty with walking or balance?
Accordingly, if the individual answered “yes” to any of these questions, they are categorized as “high fall risk” and would benefit from a fall risk evaluation. At MVPT, we offer the type of programming that is recommended! Our team has also recently participated in continuing education programming, designed by a board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist. This ensures that our clinics are providing the best care possible to reduce fall risk and empower a full and active life. Throughout the month of April, our offices are offering FREE Balance & Fall Risk Assessments to anyone that would like to learn more about their risk for falls and how working with our team can help them stay safe and active.
Get Started Today!
Staying strong, improving flexibility and mobility, and taking simple actions can reduce the risk of falls for you and your loved ones. Don’t delay the care and services that can help empower a life full of motion- call MVPT to get started or click here to request an appointment.
Resources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
- https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/health
- https://www.cdc.gov/injury/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fhomeandrecreationalsafety%2Ffalls%2Findex.html
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0815/p240.html
