If a senior falls, it can lead to fractures, a longer recovery time, and potentially having to go back to the hospital. Fall prevention services offered by physical therapists can reduce the chances of these issues.
At Presidential Post Acute in Marion County, OH, we understand that physical therapy can play a critical role in improving strength, balance, and mobility, and ensuring independence. We’ll create individualized treatment plans to make sure you or your loved one reaches the highest possible level of functioning.
Why Are Older Adults at Greater Risk of Falling?
As people age, changes happen in the body. These – plus previous injuries – can lead to an increase in the potential of falling. Common risk factors include:
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced balance and flexibility
- Walking or transferring challenges
- Having experienced a previous fall or injury
- Reduced mobility after surgery or other hospitalization
- Some medical conditions
- Reduced vision
- Anxiety about falling
After illness or injury, daily living activities can become more difficult. Seemingly simple movements like getting up from a chair or bed or walking through a hallway can become more challenging.
Physical therapy involves identifying issues and developing a rehabilitation plan to correct them.
How Presidential Post Acute Physical Therapy Helps Prevent Falls
Our physical therapists always have our residents’ health top of mind. They will focus on helping individuals improve their physical abilities so they can move safely and confidently. While treatment may vary, it typically involves the following:
Building Strength
Loss of muscle strength can make it harder to do normal day-to-day activities. If strength decreases in the legs and core, it can be harder to recover when you lose balance.
Our physical therapy plans will incorporate different strengthening exercises. These will improve stability and make movement more manageable.
Correcting Balance
Our physical therapy treatment plans will incorporate exercises and activities to improve balance in a safe environment. It will include exercises that will challenge your abilities so you can reach your rehabilitation goals. As our residents move through their recovery journey, therapy goals will change, and activities will be adjusted.
Improving Walking & Mobility
At Presidential Post Acute, our team will evaluate how our residents walk. Changes in walking patterns can increase the chances of falling. We’ll identify areas that may affect mobility and focus on assisting with walking, transfers, turning around, and other areas that may negatively affect mobility and balance.
Our team will also help you relearn how to effectively make transfers from a bed or a chair to standing, moving around furniture, and safely sitting down.
Increasing Range of Motion & Flexibility
Our physical therapists will incorporate stretching and other range-of-motion activities to make certain movements easier. This will help with performing everyday activities.
Making You More Confident
After a major fall, residents may become more hesitant. Their fear of falling may increase, leading to a reduction in activity. Since our rehabilitation plan involves practicing movement with an experienced physical therapist, individuals will become more comfortable performing everyday activities.
Personalized Physical Therapy Plans for Each Resident
No two people are the same. That’s why no two physical therapy treatment plans are the same. At Presidential Post Acute, our rehabilitation treatment plans are designed around each person’s needs, abilities, and circumstances.
After admission, physical therapy usually begins within 24-48 hours. Typically, it’s offered five times a week depending on individual requirements. Rehabilitation will take place in our state-of-the-art gym under the guidance of our licensed professionals.
Therapy may take a few days or a few weeks. But our goal is to help you safely return home and to your normal routine.
Trust Us to Help You Move with Greater Confidence
At Presidential Post Acute, our fall prevention services will ensure that residents can obtain the skills they need to safely perform needed activities. Our goal is to help them reach their highest level of independence.
Ready to learn more about our fall prevent services? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Or schedule a tour to see our rehab center in person