Fall Prevention Program
Fall risk can diminish your ability to lead an active and independent life. There usually are several reasons for a fall, and the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for serious injury.
The reasons for fall risk are complex and include:
- Being 80 years old or older
- Leg muscle weakness
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Vision problems (cataracts, macular degeneration, wearing bifocals)
- Medical conditions that limit your ability to get around, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or diabetes
- Conditions that cause confusion, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
- Taking more than 4 medications at the same time or psychoactive medications (such as sedatives or antidepressants)
- Using a cane or other walking device
- Home hazards (throw rugs, pets underfoot)
- Low blood pressure
- A history of previous falls
Could you benefit from a Fall Prevention Program?
FALL RISK ASSESSMENT QUIZ
- Have you fallen in the last year?
- Do you use, or have you been advised to use a cane or walker?
- Do you lose your balance when walking?
- Do you worry about falling?
- Do you use your arms to push yourself up from a chair?
- Do you have difficulty stepping up onto the curb?
- Do you take short, narrow steps?
- Does your body sway when standing stationary?
- Do you stumble frequently or look at the ground when walking?
- Do you frequently have to rush to the toilet?
- Are you experiencing any loss of feeling in one or both of your feet?
- Are you taking any medications which make you feel sleepy, dizzy , or lightheaded?
If you answered yes to 4 or more of these questions, we highly recommend you schedule an in-depth fall risk assessment. You are considered a high risk for falling. A balance and vestibular therapy program could significantly benefit your health and quality of life.
How A Physical Therapist Can Help
If you are worried about falling or if you recently had a fall, your physical therapist can conduct a screening of your fall risk. If the screening shows that you are at risk, our physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, and design an exercise and training program to improve your balance and strength, and may include:
- Balance Training
- Walking and Moving Improvement
- Learning to Multitask Safely
- Strength Training
- Aerobic Training
- Education
- Fear Management
- Use of Community Programs
For more information, Contact our Williamsburg physical therapy clinic today.