Falls can cause serious injuries, decreased mobility, and a loss of independence in older adults. One in four adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year. Seniors' fall risk prevention should begin with a comprehensive assessment to check for other issues (e.g., balance problems, medication side effects, environmental issues) that may make them more likely to fall. Bortnick Therapy Enterprises, PLLC professionals create customized programs designed to improve critical skills (strength, balance, and coordination) to help decrease seniors' chances of falls. Many of their patient physical therapy visit include targeted exercises to help keep their bodies at their active best. Patients' compromised mobility shouldn't get in the way of learning safe moves to fall or navigating the best ways to improve a sacred to seniors' independence — the quality of life that should be discussed with your therapist. This article includes information and tips for both seniors and their caregivers to increase learning benefits. Share in my Baby-Boomer adults' quest to best help you improve your need to live more safely in your environments (homes you may safely experience and visit) of choice!

Why Fall Prevention is Important

Falls among older adults are recognized as a leading public health problem. Each year, millions of older adults fall, with a proportion of those falls resulting in medically treated injury, an increased risk of hospitalization, and a substantially increased risk of dying. In addition to medical consequences, falls might contribute to reductions or losses in functional independence and mobility. Consequently, falls must be viewed as an important event to prevent (i.e., recognizing and addressing the long list of underlying physiological or environmental factors that contribute to an older adult’s risk of falling). However, the physical consequences associated with falling are only part of the story. Many people who fall—and this is especially true for older adults—subsequently develop a fear of falling. As a result, they might begin to limit or avoid certain activities…which will, in turn, increase their risk of falling again. So, a cycle of fear and avoiding activity is established. In the long run, that is likely to be detrimental to the person’s overall state of health. Indeed, a fear of falling potentially carries a substantial risk of creating or exacerbating a lack of physical fitness, lack of outdoor mobility, social isolation, low mood, or generalized anxiety disorder. Their quality of life is almost certain to be seriously reduced. For that reason, when assessing an older patient’s mental health, it is essential to "ask the question."

How Bortnick Therapy Enterprises, PLLC Can Help

Falls are a scary thing, especially as we age. That’s why a complete fall risk assessment is performed on all patients presenting with a history of falls or with concerns for falls, including a past medical history, specific mobility tests, and an evaluation for any home environmental issues. You are then given the results, and a plan of care is developed for you. As noted, plans of care include general conditioning. Exercise programs focusing on balance, strength, and functional flexibility are to be performed in the clinic, with similar programs to be performed at home once safe and appropriate. Patients are also provided with educational materials to increase their understanding and are instructed on mobility and any other activities so that they are performed with more awareness than previously. A safer patient is usually a more active patient.

Our Expertise at Bortnick Therapy Enterprises, PLLC

At Bortnick Therapy Enterprises, our therapists have received the best training and have many years of experience in working with elders to prevent potential falls. Physical therapists use a three-pronged approach: assessment, strength and balance training, and environmental safety recommendations. Success stories point to a sense of empowerment and security to move seamlessly from one place to the next, which comes from a decrease in falls, ultimately leading to an increase in the quality of life among the elderly. Fall prevention is essential for older adults. A fall can lead to significant injury, loss of independence, or death. At Bortnick Therapy Enterprises, PLLC, I provide specific balance, strength, and flexibility screens to identify your risks. By identifying your weaknesses, I can then develop a tailored intervention to treat those weaknesses, reduce your risk for falls, and ultimately enhance your independence. By addressing your personal fall risks in a controlled (i.e., proactive) environment, I hope to help keep you out of an uncontrolled (i.e., reactive) environment for an extended period. Mobility therapy, home safety education, and balance and next-level coordination drills are just a few highlights of what to expect from this service. Contact us today at the email or phone number above for your FREE over-the-phone consultation. We can discuss developing a supportive therapy plan for you or a loved one.