Risk of Falls Program

The objective of our screening program is to prevent unnecessary falls from happening to individuals in our community.
With advanced age, balance and coordination may become more difficult. About 40% of people over the age of 65 fall each year.
Our screening program is based upon recognized Static-Dynamic tests and measurements to identify those individuals who are unsafe, unsteady and are potentially at risk of falling. Based upon the test findings, we establish an individualized rehab program to improve and restore their flexibility, strength, balance, function and safety.
When existing risk factors are identified and then eliminated, the likelihood or chance of fall declines.

Are You at Risk?

We have created a simple questionnaire to aid individuals in self assessing their potential for falls. Answer the following questions with a rating from 0 to 10. Zero meaning not confident at all, five meaning fairly confident and ten meaning fully confident in performing the activity.

Take the quiz

A score of 70 or below indicates that you currently have a perception that your level of safe function is impaired. You feel at risk!

There are several factors that cause individuals to have a fear of falling. Besides muscle weakness or joint pain, other contributing factors may be: medications, lack of concentration, memory challenges, poor balance, poor vision, vestibular function, foot problems, diminished sensory feedback, or a loss of proprioception (knowing where your body is in space).

True or False Questions

1. Falling is just part of old age and cannot be prevented.
   True False
   
2. There is no way to improve your balance skills even through performing some exercises that might help maintain flexibility, strength and endurance.
   True False
   
3. One in four people over the age of 65 who live at home will fall during the next year.
   True False
   
4. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury of people over 65 living at home.
   True False
   
5. Tranquilizers, heart medications, blood pressure medication, mood altering drugs and over-the-counter medications can increase the risk of falling by inducing drowsiness, dizziness and slowed reflexes.
   True False
   
6. Clutter, loose rugs, unsecured cords, poor lighting and narrow walkways are all common causes of falls.
   True False
   

So far we have asked you questions. Now let’s challenge your Physical skills.

Quick Self Assessment

Sit to Stand Test
Get a straight backed chair with no armrests. Place the back of the chair against a wall. Sit in the chair, slide toward the edge of the seat and stand up WITHOUT using your hands. Can you stand up and sit down five times in a row in ten seconds?

One-Legged Standing
Stand in front of a sturdy dresser or your kitchen sink. Lift one foot off of the floor and balance on the opposite foot. Do not use your hands or place your raised foot down to steady yourself. Can you hold your foot up for twenty seconds?

These were two simple but quick static tests to evaluate your potential for a fall. If you had any difficulty performing these tasks, ask your physician for a referral and receive a full evaluation from our professional staff. Based upon your needs, we can develop a program to help prevent a fall from happening to you.

The fear of falling is multi-factorial

Many experts have defined the fear of falling (FOF) as an on-going concern about falling that ultimately limits the performance of daily activities. Some authors refer to FOF as the individual's loss of confidence in their balance ability. Still other authors have defined FOF as a general concept that described low fall-related efficacy (low confidence at avoiding falls) and being afraid of falling. Researchers now have recognized that the causes of Falls are directly related to either Extrinsic or Intrinsic risk factors or Both.

Intrinsic Risk Factors

• Medical - general condition; number of medications
• Cognitive - attention, awareness of abilities, judgment
• Psychological - depression, disoriented, forgetful
• Sensory Loss - vision, vestibular, Somatosensory
• Central Processing - perception, reaction time, postural control, strategy selection, sequencing, scaling
• Musculoskeletal - strength, ROM, endurance, postural alignment, speed of motion, endurance, flexibility, pain
• Conditions of the Feet - corns, calluses, hallux valgus, bunions, sensory loss, bony anomalies
• Gait - slow cadence, difficulty with starts, stops, and turns, wobbling, balance, coordination

Extrinsic Risk Factors

• Environmental - surface area, visual (lighting), timing demands (phone ring), obstacles; perform an assessment of the home to establish a checklist for fall hazards and unsafe elements within the home
• Social - living alone and socially isolated
• Activity Level - active/sedentary and prior experience
• Recent history of Falls

How to Lower YOUR Risk

Intrinsic Factors require an honest assessment of your health and physical abilities. If you have Fallen in the past or are FEARFUL of Falling, then YOU have a problem that must be addressed! Contact your physician and request a referral for an evaluation by one of our staff professionals. We will perform an in depth assessment of your Intrinsic Risk factors; test your Static and Dynamic balance - skill levels; and provide a written report to your physician with our remedial recommendations.

The U.S. Health Care Financing Administration pays for appropriate rehabilitation that makes a patient safe. If the patient demonstrates poor balance that is objectively measured and documented, then the reimbursement for treatment that results in improved patient safety can be expected. Take advantage of your Medicare provision for PREVENTION.

Contact us for an assessment … TODAY!