When you ask any one of our senior clients what is the most important aspect of their day-to-day life, they will tell you it’s their independence. Yet nothing will steal your independence faster than a fall.
Statistics show that one out of every three people over 65 will fall, and that number steadily increases with age. Of those who do fall, as few as 28% return to their home after hospitalization, and over half that number require ongoing care in a skilled nursing facility.
There are strategies our body utilizes to provide stability when we lose our >balance or to keep our balance when we feel dizzy or trip. Research has shown that, as we age, our reaction time decreases. We also find ourselves more apt to be dizzy due to medications or trip because of vision issues. All of these contribute to increased risk of falls.
In physical therapy, we challenge balance in a safe environment to allow the body to relearn the proper balance strategies and improve reaction time. Having better balance can help offset any balance issues due to medications or vision.
As part of the Freedom From Falling program, we will provide a balance screen. During this screen the therapist takes you through 6 clinical tests that have been proven by research to be valid and reliable indicators of balance performance. From these 6 tests, the therapist is able to determine the level of balance impairment and design a customized balance program for each individual. These clinical tests are reexamined throughout the course of treatment to document and show real and measurable functional improvements.
Call us today to learn more about our Balance Screening Program for Seniors! (720) 493-1181
