Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention:

A Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapist aid the patient in household safety. Physical and occupational therapy addresses balance and weakness associated with illness or injury. Speech therapy addresses cognitive issues that may impact home safety. As a team we strive to optimize patient's functional abilities.

Did you know...

• It is reported that nearly 1/3 of the geriatric population over 65 fall each year.
• Those patients who fall 2-3 times within a 3 month period are likely to fall again.
• Of the geriatric population that has a fall related hip fracture, 53% will likely fall again
• Falls are the leading cause of death in the elderly
• Falls lead to immobility for those who do not get appropriate treatment. Additional pressure sores, pneumonia and general de-conditioning are likely.
• 1/4th of elderly that sustain a hip fracture will die within six months of injury date.
• Factors to consider for risks of falls include; advancing age with cognitive decline, acute/chronic illness, polypharmacy and sensory declines. Decreased conditioning due to fear of mobility is also a high risk factor.
• Additional factors can be related to environment, obstacles and household safety issues.