Team Transformational Solutions
Fall Prevention with Balance Therapy
Falls can have very serious consequences as we age. We continue to see an increase in falls at our skilled nursing facilities which lead to worsening conditions for our patients.
Fall Risks
The risk of falling in older adults is usually related to combination of factors, including:
- Balance and/or walking problems. Balance can be affected by vision changes, vestibular problems and altered sensation in the feet.
- The use of multiple medications. Studies indicate that when individuals take five or more medicines, the risk of falls increases.
- Home hazards (including dim lighting and trip hazards)
- Positional low blood pressure (such as orthostatic hypotension, when blood pressure drops upon standing.
- Feet and footwear issues
Falls often occur in the bathroom when sitting or standing from the toilet or shower, or at night in a dark bedroom when getting up quickly and tripping on the way to the bathroom.
Exercises to Prevent Falls
While it’s not possible to completely prevent a fall, exercises that focus on balance and strength training can reduce the risk of falling. We treat elderly adults for injuries sustained from falls, and other patients who feel unsteady while walking or standing and are fearful of falling. These exercises can help improve balance and build strength to help prevent future falls.
For older adults, activities such as squatting, standing up from a chair and walking may be difficult or cause them to feel unsteady, which increases their risk of falling. The following exercises are intended for those who have a low risk of fall and are able to stand on their own without support from others. Always talk to your doctor or physical therapist first before starting new exercises, especially if you have weak balance.
Signs to Review:
- Change in medication which can lead to imbalance
- Mood changes, impulsivity
- Vestibular changes
- Change in ambulation, shuffling feet, leaning to one side
- Decrease in ADLs
- History of falls
Remember, it’s important to talk to your physical therapist about your residents to allow them to implement a balance program. We can’t prevent all falls but we can be a step ahead with proper therapy.
Susan Vincent OTR
Regional Director of Operations for Rehabilitation
Therapy and Rehabilitation