Certified Fall Prevention Therapists
“Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”
This was a catch phrase used by a television commercial advertising a life alert system for geriatrics that became a punchline throughout pop culture in the late 80’s and the early 90’s. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many older Americans.
According to the National Council on Aging, 1 in 4 Americans 65 and over have fallen each year. This statistic is proof that falls among older adults have become an epidemic in America.
Here is a more alarming statistic, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and hospitalization among older adults.
The CDC reports 3 million people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for falls each year and 800,000 people are hospitalized due to injuries from falls.
The number one question asked by Lightning Therapy patients is are falls preventable? The good news is – YES!!! Falls are largely preventable with some simple measures that Lightning Therapy clinicians implement in treatment.
What places someone at risk for a fall?
A person’s fall risk can be contributed by many factors that are included but not limited to the following: balance deficits, side effects from medications, blood pressure changes when standing or changing position, chronic conditions such as diabetes, pain, pulmonary conditions, neurological conditions (i.e. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke) and low vision deficits.
The American Geriatrics Society found that routine screening of older adults by qualified practitioners can reduce the risk of falls by 30-40%.
This is where Certified Fall Prevention Therapists can assist.
The Lightning Therapy team has trained Occupational and Physical Therapists that can help determine what your risk factors for falling are during everyday activities as well as improve your strength, balance and coordination to prevent future falls.
Falls are the main reason why older adults lose their independence – let the team from Lightning Therapy help you maintain your independence and continue to live a safe and active life.
