One of the most significant threats facing many of VNA’s patients and older adults everywhere is the risk of falls. While falls can affect anyone, various factors related to aging increase both the likelihood of falling and the severity of injuries that may result. Statistics from the CDC demonstrate just how prevalent and dangerous falls can be for older adults:
• Fourteen million, or 1 in 4 Americans age 65 and older, fall each year.
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.
• Each year, older adults experience approximately 3 million fall-related emergency department visits and 1 million fall-related hospitalizations.
Common household features, such as rugs, can present significant fall risks.
Falls can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll, but fortunately, many fall risks can be reduced. VNA’s Physical and Occupational Therapists help patients take proactive steps to lower their risk of falling. Our Physical Therapists (PTs) work with patients through exercises designed to improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) address environmental factors within the patient’s home to help ensure the space supports safe and effective daily living activities. This may include removing tripping hazards, rearranging commonly used items, recommending assistive devices, and making other adjustments that can help reduce fall risk.
Physical Therapy exercises can help improve strength and balance to reduce the chances of falling.
VNA is committed to providing high-quality care that helps patients recover, achieve their goals, and maintain their independence. That commitment includes identifying new opportunities and evidence-based approaches that can further improve patient outcomes.
In July, VNA’s Therapy staff will undergo training in Vestibular Therapy, adding another strategy to help patients experiencing dizziness or unsteadiness. Vestibular Therapy uses eye movement exercises, balance retraining, walking exercises, stretching, and strengthening activities to improve balance and reduce dizziness. By incorporating Vestibular Therapy into our services, VNA’s therapy team will be even better equipped to help prevent falls and keep more patients safe, healthy, and independent wherever they call home.
You do not have to receive VNA’s Home Health services to take steps toward reducing your risk of falling. Here are some ways you can help lower your fall risk:
VNA can also help identify ways to make your home safer. For a one-time fee, our Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist will conduct a comprehensive 64-point home safety evaluation to identify factors that could increase your risk of falling. Following the evaluation, you will receive a detailed report outlining your home’s safety risks along with clear recommendations for improvements.
A home safety evaluation can identify a variety of fall risks and provide recommendations to approve them.
While they cannot prevent falls, fall monitoring devices such as CareLink™ can help ensure a quicker response and potentially better outcomes in the event of a fall. These devices feature an emergency button that can be used to call for help, and some models can automatically detect falls as well.
Whatever your situation may be, being proactive and taking steps today to reduce your risk of falling can help you remain safer, healthier, and more independent.