Balance Can Be Measured and Taught Falls are a major problem for the elderly. They’re a major source of injury and accidental death. Of the population over 65 years of age, 1/3 to 1/2 experience falls annually; of these, half do so repeatedly. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults and the leading cause of accidental death in those over age 65! Over 200,000 hip fractures occur annually in the U.S. due to falls. Older folks who have balance problems become increasingly sedentary, homebound, and isolated. Certain activities of daily living can no longer be performed or are avoided due to fear of falling. Unfortunately, as inactivity increases, this in turn worsens balance. Falls and instability contribute directly to 40% of all nursing home admissions. Poor balance control is a major cause of falls. Falls are not a normal part of aging! I repeat, falls are not a normal part of aging! A mild decline in balance is normal, but falling is not! As a therapist, I am very interested in how older adults fall, and how they should be healed to improve balance and prevent falling in the future. Our approach at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy is to use very precise, targeted methods that address specific areas of difficulty underlying the balance problem in the elderly. We use the Neurocom Balance Master to assess the degree and type of balance problem, and determine if the person’s eyes, inner ear, and skin on the bottom of the feet are all properly providing sensory information. We also look at the brain’s ability to process and respond to challenges in balance. By gathering this data, we can identify precisely where the problem lies and then specifically target the areas that are deficient. This preciseness is what separates our program from others. I have found that rehab and balance training is not enough; rather, it is much more efficient to measure the problem, target trouble areas, and teach progress. If you or someone you know is having balance problems or is afraid of falling, give us a call or ask your doctor for a referral for therapy at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy. Call (301) 759-4263 with any questions, or check us out online at www.tristatehand.com. Some of the things you can to do prevent falls at home are as follows: • Install stair handrails on both sides and provide bright lighting at the bottom and top of the stairs • Never leave books, purses, packages, or other objects on the stairs • Use rubber mats or treads in bathtubs and showers • Clear paths through rooms • Keep a light near the bed that’s easy to reach • Have good quality night lights to show the path from the bed to the bathroom for night-time trips; consider a bedside commode if it is more practical • Exercise regularly and wear shoes both inside and outside the house • If you know you can’t get up from the floor and are at risk for falling, think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help |
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