September is National Fall Prevention Month! This is an excellent time to educate ourselves on the causes of falls and how to prevent them. Most occur in the home, specifically in the bedroom, kitchen, and dining room. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury and death for those 65 and over. While they are very serious, there are simple steps we can take to prevent them. Here are a few key elements to focus on:
1. Environmental factor:
As in-home physical therapists, we witness a lot of the challenges our patients face in their homes and see common things in the home that may increase the risk of falling. Environment especially plays a big part in either reducing or increasing fall risks. These could include loose rugs, wires laying on the floor, slippery floors, unstable furniture, kid or pet toys laying around, poor lighting, and lack of basic safety equipment, such as handrails.
2. Neurological and age factors:
It’s no secret that as we age things start to slow down. Our eyesight, balance, coordination, and other reflexes start to diminish. This, combined with certain neurological conditions, such as MS and Parkinson’s Disease, have a profound impact on balance and stability. It is especially important to work with a physical therapist to address these neurological challenges before and as they occur.
3. Physical Factors:
Decreased strength is one of the most common but more easily addressed contributing factors. By conducting an evaluation and initiating treatment, a physical therapist can assist patients to regain the strength they need to safely navigate around their environment.
4. Behavioral Factors:
Some elements that precipitate fall risks are simply a matter of behavior or choice. These include poor nutrition and hydration, improper footwear, non-compliance with medications, the lack of adequate physical activity, not using assistive devices correctly, and even the fear of falling can put someone at increased risk.
So, how can PT’s do to help prevent them?
1. Physical Therapy:
Therapists can work with clients on fall prevention and any limitations they face. Oftentimes, a client has fallen more than once in the past. Understanding the reasons behind it is crucial in eliminating those risks. In addition, physical therapists work to increase strength, balance, coordination, and more. All of this makes the patient not only stronger but feel safer.
2. Removing Hazards:
As we mentioned earlier, environmental hazards play a big part in increasing the risk of falling. Physical therapists can make recommendations on how to improve the living space. This could include removing loose rugs, wires, and other objects, rearranging furniture, as well as increase lighting, and having handrails installed at key locations.
3. Assistive devices:
Even with the help of physical therapy for fall prevention, the use of an assistive device may be necessary. PTs can help make recommendations on which kind of can or walkers to purchase and how to use them properly. The idea is to make the client safe and comfortable in their home.
4. Recommendations:
Physical therapists can also make general recommendations about certain choices or behaviors. This could include discussing proper footwear, proper hydration and nutrition, increasing or maintaining an active lifestyle, and other behavioral choices. This team effort goes a long way to making the patient safer.
Conclusion:
Falls are scary and unfortunately all too common. Fortunately, after careful evaluation and planning, they can be prevented! Physical therapy is an excellent way to assess risks and proactively approach these serious events. Overall physical therapy works to reduce risk factors and increase strength and mobility. If you want to find out more about how we can help you, give us a call at 302-304-9729. You can also fill out our contact form. We would be happy to answer any questions. We cover the areas of New Castle County DE and Delaware County PA.
In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, we serve Glen Mills, Boothwyn, Chester, Media, Newtown Square, Garnet Valley, Concordville, Aston, Broomall, Springfield, just to name a few.
