[By Misty Jones, Supervisor for Rehabilitation Services, Samaritan Hospital – Albany Memorial Campus.]
Each year, more than two million people are treated in emergency departments nationwide for non-fatal falls. Of those, approximately 700,000 patients were admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries ranging from fractures to lacerations, with some as serious as head trauma and internal bleeding.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 1,000 deaths occur each year in New York state as a result of falls. Nationally, falls are the sixth leading cause of death for individuals over the age of 65.
Falls are more common and cause more injury than many realize. The key to fall prevention is identifying why individuals, especially seniors, are prone to falling and then managing the individual’s underlying risk factors.
Among older adults, falls generally occur due to:
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- Physical conditions (weakness, dizziness, balance issues)
- Visual disturbances
- Hearing deficits
- Medication side effects
- Environmental obstructions
Step One
When physical conditions are suspected, the first step is to visit a primary care physician. They can conduct a complete physical, identify issues that could increase your risk for a fall, and provide a referral to physical therapy or occupational therapy services.
Step Two
A physical therapist can work with you to create an individualized assessment of fall risk. They can craft a treatment plan to address issues of strength, flexibility, balance, behavioral risk factors, and environmental risk factors.
Step Three
An occupational therapist can assist you in focusing on daily activities to help you remain as independent as possible despite injury, illness or disability. They can teach how to safely perform important daily activities, as well as provide suggestions on home modifications to decrease fall risks.
Physical medicine and outpatient rehabilitation services from St. Peter’s Health Partners help you move through life on your terms. We are one of the Capital Region’s most trusted programs, with a broad range of services at locations throughout the Capital Region that relieve pain and make the most of your abilities.
Our knowledgeable therapists take time to get to know you and personalize your care, so you are more likely to achieve your goals. Whether you are managing the effects of a neurologic disorder such as Parkinson’s, recovering from surgery, or learning new methods to perform daily tasks when a medical condition limits your physical or mental abilities, St. Peter’s is here for you.
October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to recognize how physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help people improve their movement, function, and quality of life. Remember to thank your physical therapist for all they do!
For more information, please visit Rehabilitation Services at Albany Memorial Campus | St. Peter’s Health Partners or call 518-471-3195.
