St. Alexius Promotes Fall Prevention
Posted on 9/22/2010
|
|
September 23 not only marks the first day of fall, it also marks Falls Awareness Prevention Day. One out of three senior citizens will fall this year, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death for Americans 65 and older. Falls cost our nation $19 billion dollars annually and impact families and caregivers emotionally and psychologically.
Tammy Theurer, RN, St. Alexius Home Care & Hospice director said, “When older adults fall, it often leads to a loss of independence, reduced mobility and earlier admission to a nursing home or need for home care.”
But the good news is, through risk management, falls are preventable.
Ruth Beachey, St. Alexius Balance & Dizziness Center physical therapist said getting a fall risk assessment is an excellent start to preventing falls. “Sometimes there might be strength issues; sometimes there might be sensory issues. Based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation, we will customize a treatment plan that focuses specifically on your impairment,” Beachey said.
To find out if St. Alexius Home Care is appropriate for yourself or your loved one, call 530-4500. Or to schedule a fall risk assessment, call the St. Alexius Balance & Dizziness Center at 530-8106.