Balance and Fall
Fall and injury prevention continues to be a considerable challenge in health care. Up to 32% of community-dwelling individuals over the age of 65 fall each year, and females fall more frequently than males in this age group. Fall-related injuries are the most common cause of accidental death in those over the age of 65, resulting in 41 fall-related deaths per 100,000 people per year.¹ To address this growing concern, the Joint Commission established the Home Care National Patient Safety Goals for 2011, to educate patient and families how to prevent injuries from falling.²
Common Conditions or Diagnosis for Balance and Fall Program
Diagnosis of Knee or Hip Pain Recent Total Joint Replacement
Diagnosis of Vestibular Disease History of Falls
Diagnosis of Polyneuropathy Difficulty or slow when walking
Diagnosis of Chronic Back Pain Apparent Leg Weakness
Diagnosis of Stroke (old) Fear of walking alone
Diagnosis of Gait Abnormality Loss of standing balance
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s, MS, SLE or other similar illness
Our Interdisciplinary Approach
Skilled Nursing
Complete History and Physical Assessment
Medication Review and Teaching
Physical Therapy
Brief Review of History of Present Illness Strength and ROM Assessment
Gait and Balance Assessment Sensory & Proprioception Assessment
Visual Acuity Training Vestibular Therapy
Neurological Testing Strengthening and Conditioning
Home Safety Evaluation Patient /Caregiver Education
Equipment Evaluation and Proper Use
Occupational Therapy
Complete OT Assessment ADL’s Retraining
Work Modification Visual Acuity Training
Home Health Aide
Grooming and Bathing Assistance Light Housekeeping Pertaining to Patient Care Area
¹ 2009, Fall and Injury Prevention, Leanne Currie
² 2011, Joint Commission, Home Care National Patient Safety Goals