Fall Risk Assessments Help To Prevent Falls in Pennsylvania

By Western Berks Physical Therapy on September 21st, 2020

Fall Risk Assessments

Every second of every day an older adult falls. In the United States, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for older adults and 28% of older adults who live at home fall at least once a year.

Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. Although falls among older adults are common, there are simple steps that can be taken to prevent falls and decrease fall risks.

Research has identified many risk factors that contribute to falling. Some of these can be reduced with the help of a highly trained Physical Therapist. Most falls are caused by the interaction of multiple risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater his/her chances of falling. Physical therapists can lower a person’s risk by reducing or minimizing that individual’s risk factors.

At Western Berks Physical Therapy, we start preventing falls with these 3 steps:

Step 1: Fall Risk Screening

The first step in reducing falls is to identify the risk factors that may contribute to falling. Western Berks Physical Therapy offers Fall Risk Assessments starting with an initial screening to check to see how likely it is that you will fall.

Step 2: Simple & Quick Fall Assessment

During your fall risk assessment, we will have you complete a few easy tests to help assess leg strength, endurance, balance and mobility to give the physical therapist a clear idea of your current risk of falling.

Step 3: Professional Recommendation

After completing the assessments, your Physical Therapist will talk to you about your health goals. From there it can be determined which modifiable fall risk factors can be addressed to help you meet your goals. You will receive a professional recommendation from your therapist regarding how to reduce falls and a program to address factors putting you at risk for falling.

By assessing your fall risk, we can prevent future falls through a customized plan. Treatment plans are truly comprehensive, helping you make your home as safe as possible while providing gait and balance training to avoid falls at their source. 

Western Berks Physical Therapy offers exceptional physical therapy, promoting health and wellness to the community in and around Reading, Pennsylvania. With three physical therapy office locations in Berks County, Pennsylvania, you can schedule your Fall Risk Assessment in Laureldale, Wyomissing or Robesonia. Call 610-589-2263 to schedule today!

 

Additional FREE Fall Prevention Resources Available to You: