What is Fall Prevention ?
The Fall Prevention Clinic provides falls/mobility assessments and treatment planning to patients aged 65 and older, or younger patients, as needed. Our goals are to serve those who have not yet fallen, but may be at risk, and to manage care for those with a history of falls in order to prevent subsequent falls with serious injury. A fall is defined as unintentionally coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level from a standing, sitting or horizontal position in an movement not caused by a seizure, stroke, fainting , motor vehicle accident, or risky behavior, such as skiing, roof repair or drug overdose.
Who is the Falls Prevention Clinic for?
Individuals who have one or more of the following risk factors may be appropriate for the Falls Prevention Clinic:
• History of Falls
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• Gait disorder, use of an assistive device
• Balance disorder
• Muscle Weakness
• Arthritis
• Visual deficits
• Neurologic deficits
• Impaired Activities of Daily Living (dressing, hygiene, feeding, etc)
• Depression
• Cognitive impairment
• Over 80 years old
• More than four medications
• Cardiovascular deficits
• History of a head injury or brain injury
Clinic Services
Comprehensive assessment of fall risk factors-
• Identification of strengths, risks and deficiencies.
• Medical history.
• Gait and balance assessment.
• Medications.
• Vision testing.
• Lower limb joint testing.
• Neurologic function testing.
• Cardiovascular status.
• Environmental safety.
Approach
A comprehensive fall prevention team will provide you with a combination of the following:
• A thorough medical evaluation and medication review by an internal medicine physician or nurse practitioner
• A comprehensive physical and occupational therapy evaluation to address balance, vision, strength, coordination, cognition and flexibility
• Therapy sessions provided by experts in the field of neuro-rehabilitation
• Specialized equipment including the Biodex® balance system and Dynavision® visual-motor and cognitive skills system
• A vestibular (balance system) screening, with in-depth evaluation by a certified vestibular specialist as needed
• A personalized balance and fall-related plan with recommendations for an at-home program
• Strategies to help you create a safe environment, decrease your fall risk factors and implement healthy lifestyle changes
• Functional visual assessment, strategies and recommendations
• Information on community resources and programs to help you maintain your goal of staying falls-free
Development of a management plan for identified risk factors
• Balance and gait training.
• Exercise recommendations.
• Environmental modifications.
• Medication adjustment.
• Cardiovascular management.
• Vision evaluation and treatment.
• Orthostatic hypotension.
• Podiatric and shoe concerns.
• Education and training.
Follow-up to encourage adherence to recommendations and assistance with barriers to adherence, either individualized or in group visits as determined by patient preference.
Fall Prevention assessment and treatment option are available at Senior Citizen Hospital