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Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






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The local Meals on Wheels group who bring lunch to my parents suggested we get a physical therapist into the home to help Mom and Dad avoid falls that can break bones. What sorts of things can the therapist do that we can't?

Therapists are trained in assessing both the patient and the environment (including the home) for things that can increase the risk of falls. Falls prevention has been proven to work -- studies have shown a significant decrease in the number of falls older adults take with just some simple changes around the house. The therapist will look for areas of poor lighting, clusters of electrical cords or wires, and point out any issues with flooring that can be a problem. For example, loose carpet, throw rugs, or slippery floor surfaces can be deadly in terms of tripping up a senior with even mild loss of balance or vision. Stairs without railings, bathrooms without grab bars, and sometimes even those otherwise helpful walkers and canes can be a problem. These are all things you might be able to look for yourself, but a professional who does this for a living will often see potential problems that the patient or family just takes for granted as an everyday part of life. The therapist can also perform an assessment of strength, balance, range of motion, and flexibility -- all important ingredients in staying upright and more importantly, regaining balancing without falling down when posture is challenged. The therapist will talk to the person who is limping, stumbling, and/or not using a cane or walker when one is needed. Being afraid of looking old while using an assistive device is a real concern for many older adults. But the statistics show that the greater risk is a fall leading to death. A little, friendly persuasion from the therapist may go a lot further than family members suggesting Mom or Dad use a cane or walker. Fear of falling (and more especially a fear of not being able to get up) often leads to long periods of sitting, and that adds to the risk of falls. Fear of falling while getting in and out of the tub or shower can result in poor hygiene, which is a general health risk factor of its own. This is just a partial list of the ways a home and personal patient assessment by a physical therapist can help prevent falls and keep our seniors independent for as long as possible.

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