How Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention Protects Your Safety
No one intends to fall; it catches you by surprise and often when you least expect it.
Frequently, it’s not even on the horizon of possibilities because we take our gift of easy motion for granted. When a fall does occur, it can be devastating for anyone–seniors in particular.
Our therapists provide physical therapy for fall prevention, a proactive approach to help ensure your safety and the safety of those you love.
Falls: By the Numbers
The Centers for Disease Control have compiled some unsettling statistics:
- One out of four older people fall every year—and less than half of those tell their doctor.
- Every year, nearly 319,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- If you fall once, it doubles your chances of falling again.
We’ll take a closer look at how our physical therapy services in Elizabethtown work with you and your family to help you avoid falls and return to your favorite activities.
Are you having difficulty caring for your loved one at home? Do you find it more challenging to meet their needs? Bladen East, an assisted living community in Elizabethtown, is the perfect place for your loved one—and your peace of mind. We invite you to take the next step and learn more.
How Does Physical Therapy Help With Fall Prevention?
Physical therapy for fall prevention can go a long way toward preventing the serious and often debilitating injuries that can occur after falling.
At Bladen East, we’ve carefully designed everything to reduce the risk of falls. Our dedicated, experienced physical therapists have helped hundreds of individuals learn to live more safely.
This support is especially important if you’ve received rehabilitation services with us after a knee or hip replacement. You can trust that we’ll help you return home as soon as it’s safe—and a major part of that safety is minimizing your risk of falling.
We’ll review three main ways our physical therapy can help you prevent falls.
3 Ways Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention Protects Your Safety
1. Our Therapists Proactively Identify Why You Are at High Risk of Falling, and Act Accordingly
Have you had a knee replacement? Maybe you’ve had a stroke and are learning to walk again. Or perhaps neither of these apply, and you simply have balance issues.
Each of these situations requires an individualized approach to physical therapy for fall prevention. While all these conditions place you at risk of falling, our physical therapists in Elizabethtown at Bladen East understand the subtleties of the specific muscle groups involved in each situation.
There’s no substitute for that kind of expertise and compassion.
2. We Provide Education About Home Safety Modifications
Your blue throw rug may tie the room together, but if you’ve just had a knee replacement, that simple piece of decor is an accident waiting to happen. Furniture and rugs can constitute tripping hazards. We’ll provide information on how you can make your home safer. Some of these ways include:
- Place grab handles in the shower if your condition allows you to take a shower. If not, a bath chair is recommended.
- Remove any loose rugs.
- Arrange furniture to ensure there is enough room to safely walk around
- Utilize an elevated toilet seat
3. We Create Personalized Exercise Programs for Improved Balance for Fall Prevention
Exercise is vital to maintain flexibility and balance. It can even be effective for managing pain.
When you work with our physical therapists, they’ll give you “homework.” These are exercises that should be done in between sessions. Completing them as instructed will go a long way toward your recovery.
Why Is Fall Prevention After Joint Replacement So Important?
After you have your new joint, fall prevention may not be at the forefront of your mind. But falling after a joint replacement can have a devastating effect on your recovery. It can cause dislocation, infection, significant pain, or, in severe cases, the need for corrective surgery.
A fall can also prolong your recovery period, so it’s vital that you are secure and confident in your ability to move around. You can trust that our physical therapists will discharge you only when they feel it is safe to do so. We want you to have the best opportunity for a full and successful recovery.
Why Are Falls More Likely After a Joint Replacement?
If you’ve had a joint replacement, your body has undergone an extensive surgical procedure. During the healing period, you’ll notice that you have a reduced range of motion. The procedure can also cause muscle weakness. Combined, these can impact your gait and balance, increasing the chances of falling.
Independence and Confidence: Explore the Benefits of Rehabilitation in Elizabethtown and Bladen East
We know you’re excited about your new joint and anxious to return to your favorite activities. But regardless of what condition brought you to our doors, we pledge to provide you with the care and dignity you deserve. As a family-owned and operated assisted living community, you’ll never have to worry about being overwhelmed with red tape. You can speak directly to us if you have any concerns.
Want to learn more about Bladen East’s rehabilitation services? Take the next step to contact us.
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Sources:
Centers for Disease Control, “Facts About Falls,” https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html