One of HTS's primary goals is to prevent falls before they happen.
Falls are a leading cause of traumatic injury among the elderly, associated with significant morbidity, mortality, social and economic impact.
Falling is often the primary lifestyle-altering event which precipitates the transition from independent living to assisted care or nursinghome dwelling.
Did you know? - Fall deaths increased 55% from 1993 to 2003. Will there be a larger increase seen in 2013?
- When females over 65 fracture their hip, 40% may die within three years.
- The strongest predictor of a future fall is a previous fall.
There are many risk factors associated with falls. Many can be identified and improved, if not eliminated.
The greater the number of risk factors, the greater the risk of falling.
It is very important to identify those at a higher risk of falling.
Home Therapy Services is dedicated to assessing, treating, and ultimately decreasing fall risk.
In addition to evaluating and establishing a Plan of Care as per the norm in home health, HTS also performsa Fall Risk Assessment: a compilation of twelve (12) standardized tests used to objectively quantify and discover fall risks in our patients. This data not only allows us to treat and improve balance deficits more efficiently, it also allows us to objectively measure decreased fall risk.
Our testing also allows us to determine which component(s) of balance (somatosensory, vestibular, and/or vision) are responsible for the balance deficit, which can then be isolated and treated more effectively.
Low Vision and Environmental Assessment
"Happiness in later life is the direct result of an indivual's continued physical activity and involvement in everyday life".
Our physical and occupational therapists are trained to identify the environmental risk factors associated with falls and loss of functional independence, such as: - Poor lighting - Inadequate use of assistive devices - Throw rugs and loose carpet - Uneven surfaces and stairs - Poor sitting position and inappropriate seating - Excessive clutter - Electrical cords and oxygen tubing - And many others
Addressing the Environmental Risk factors while treating and improving the Physical Risk Factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling.
Low Vision - Visual impairment is often a hidden disability - 20/50 vision (or worse) will affect balance - Low Vision is a significant fall risk - Inadequate depth perception may result in difficulty maintaining balance and avoiding hazards
Our therapists will assess the patient and the environment.
Low Vision Rehabilitation may include, but not limited to, the following: - Oculomotor testing - Implement treatment programs - Improve lighting at critical areas - Mark (with reflecting or flourescent tape) hazardous changes in floor surfaces - Mark edges of steps - Improve home's color scheme - Use of contrasting colors - Ideal positioning/removal of furniture - Adjust illumination throughout home, avoiding glares
Please see our Getting Started page to benefit from these valuable services.
Home Therapy Services 104 W. Ridgeville Blvd. Mount Airy, MD 21771