Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States,
accounting for approximately 8.9 million visits to the emergency room annually.
One in three people over the age of 65 falls each year, many times they are repeat
falls.
For many, stability and lack of stability in an aging population is associated with decline
in health and for many, it represents potential loss of independence, hence the taboo
nature and sensitivity of this topic.
Being at risk for falling does NOT have to mean
loss of independence, when fall risks are identified before they pose a problem.
What can you do to prevent falls? There are environmental modifiable fall risk factors,
which can be addressed in the home: floors, stairs, lighting, safety grab bars, slippery
tub or tile. If you are suffering from a medical condition, which causes loss of balance,
vertigo or other side effects, which contribute to your risk of falling, those can be
addressed as well. Senior home safety in particular is very important.
Musculoskeletal strengthening for lower extremity weakness can decrease risk of falls,
particularly in cases where there is weakness transitioning from positions such as sit to
stand.
The American and British Geriatric Societies state, “Multifactorial risk
assessment and intervention strategies are effective in decreasing the rate of falls
and have similar risk reduction to that of other prevention measures such as
statins for cardiovascular disease”.
Those who provide senior care or in-home care in the Scottsdale and surrounding areas,
children of aging parents or individuals concerned they may be at risk for falling due to
stroke, Parkinson’s, recent hospitalization, etc. may seek to have a thorough, multifactorial
fall risk assessment performed to determine what areas need to be addressed
in order to reduce the risk of falling.
Taking the first step to prevent falls, will be your
safest step!
MEASURAbilities Home Safety, LLC, is the only physical therapist owned contracting
company in the valley, providing fall prevention home safety modifications.
We provide physical therapist expertise in the assessment, identification and
recommendation of fall prevention solutions, based on ergonomics and health limitations
for each individual’s needs and safety.
Are you or a loved one at risk for falls in the home?
Visit www.measurabilities.com and take the Fall Risk Quick Assessment
Questionnaire. A few moments out of your day answering these important
questions can provide early fall risk detection.
Intervention is key in reducing falls!
Contact MEASURAbilities Home Safety for your
free senior fall prevention and home safety assessment, performed by a licensed physical therapist, trained to
address your specific needs, medical conditions and limitations. Call: 480-285-6212, or
email info@measurabilities.com.
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