Fall Prevention

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
― Benjamin Franklin

Fall Prevention

Perhaps nowhere is the above quote more applicable than it is to the fall risk of seniors. Falls are one of the most serious issues facing seniors. A look at some fall statistics can be surprising and alarming. Consider the following CDC statistics:

  • 33% of adults aged 65 years or older fall each year

  • 66% of seniors who fall, will fall again within 6 months

  • 50% of falls go unreported, so these percentages are actually much higher

  • Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies as a result of a fall

But the good news is fall risk can be significantly decreased by early intervention. In fact, falls are officially considered preventable injuries by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC.

AgeWell’s Fall Prevention Program is a major focus of our treatment plans. We emphasize a proactive approach which allows us to help residents avoid falls.

Our Complimentary Balance Screens allow our onsite team to determine a resident’s fall risk. If there is a deficit, we can help them improve their balance and decrease their risk of falling. If there is no deficit, we note their baseline risk and can intervene if they show a decline in the future.

Our specially trained therapists also conduct Complimentary Home Safety Assessments to help residents identify and correct fall risks in their home. Such home modifications by trained therapists were recently shown to be the most effective intervention to prevent falls.

Do you or your loved one have one or more of the risk factors for a fall? If so, AgeWell can help. Contact us today so we can help you decrease your fall risk.

RISK FACTORS

  • MUSCLE WEAKNESS

  • BALANCE DEFICITS

  • ADVANCED AGE
  • HAZARDS IN THE HOME

  • HISTORY OF PREVIOUS FALLS

  • PROBLEMS WITH GAIT

  • VISION CHANGES

  • SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATIONS

  • POSTURAL HYPOTENSION

  • NEUROPATHY

  • INNER EAR PROBLEMS, VERTIGO, DIZZINESS

  • DEHYDRATION

  • HEARING LOSS

  • COGNITIVE CHANGES, DEMENTIA, ETC

  • FEAR OF FALLING

  • PAIN

  • IMPROPER FOOTWEAR

  • PETS

  • IMPROPER ASSISTIVE DEVICES

  • POOR LIGHTING

  • ALCOHOL

  • (404) 823-8157
  • bill@agewellrehab.com