Falls are common in the elderly population. Reducing the risk of falls and subsequent serious injuries can be accomplished by participating in physical therapy. Seniors improve their balance, muscle strength, and endurance through physical therapy, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
October marks National Physical Therapy Month, a time to raise awareness about the vital role physical therapy plays in improving health and mobility. For seniors, fall risk prevention is a critical focus during this month. This article highlights the benefits of physical therapy and falls risk prevention for seniors.
How Common Are Falls in the Elderly?
The National Council on Aging reports that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and over falls each year. That amounts to 14 million senior citizens. Falls can lead to serious health consequences, including both fatal and non-fatal injuries. The injuries sustained total $80 billion in healthcare costs.
Falls caused 38,000 deaths among seniors in 2021, per the NCOA. In that same year, 3 million older people visited the emergency room to treat injuries that resulted from a fall. Half of these individuals received care to treat their injuries in a hospital setting.
Many seniors do not believe they are at risk for falling—until they experience a fall. Fortunately, falls can be prevented. Older adults are urged to learn fall prevention strategies. One tactic that helps prevent falls in the aging population is physical therapy.
What Are The Benefits of Seeing a Physical Therapist?
Working with a physical therapist allows the elderly to see the various reasons that put them at risk of falling. Once these reasons are identified, the physical therapist addresses these risks. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce the senior’s risk of falling.
During the initial visit, the physical therapist speaks with the senior to learn about the physical activities they enjoy, any concerns they may have, and their goals for physical therapy. Based on the senior’s answers, the physical therapist creates a physical therapy plan of care.
The professional assesses the senior’s balance, strength, and walk as well as other factors that may contribute to their fall risk. A goal of physical therapy is to help seniors improve their physical abilities and confidence in engaging in the various activities they enjoy.
A physical therapist shows the aging adult how to move about their home and community safely. The senior learns exercises that improve coordination, flexibility, and strength; or, the physical therapist may help the older person find a community exercise program to attend.
What Are The Benefits of Physical Therapy in Reducing Fall Risks?
1. Build Muscle Strength
The muscles in the legs and core play key roles in maintaining balance. During physical therapy sessions, the elderly individual engages in exercises that strengthen major muscle groups. Upon building strength, seniors are better able to participate in various activities safely.
2. Improve Flexibility
Seniors who experience stiffness in their joints or decreased mobility are at greater risk for falls. Physical therapy, however, enhances the range of motion in their joints. Elderly patients gain greater flexibility, overall mobility, and less stiffness and discomfort—which help prevent falls.
3. Enhance Balance
Daily activities, from walking to performing routine household chores, require balance to avoid falling. Physical therapy patients are given specific exercises designed to improve balance. Examples include sit-to-stand exercises to improve body mechanics and moving the feet together and apart.
4. Make Home Safety Recommendations
A physical therapist also offers suggestions to improve the general safety of the senior’s home. They may recommend moving furniture or ensuring chairs and sofas are at the right height to easily get up and sit down, eliminating trip hazards (i.e., cords and rugs), and installing adequate lighting.
5. Advise on Mobility Devices
Seniors who rely on mobility devices, such as canes or walkers, must use them correctly to prevent accidents. Physical therapists provide guidance on their proper usage. The elderly then experience improved stability and confidence as they go about their daily routines.\
6. Provide Gait Training
Gait training is a key aspect of physical therapy. It focuses on improving an older adult’s walking pattern, which may include uneven steps or an irregular gait. Physical therapists address the issues regarding gait, which contributes to better posture and reduces the likelihood of falls.
7. Reduce Fear of Falling
Seniors who have fallen may fear falling again. Out of fear, they may avoid certain activities; this can lead to anxiety, social isolation, and muscle weakness. Physical therapy addresses these concerns, allowing seniors to feel increased confidence and a decreased fear of falling.
8. Customize Therapy Plans
Each senior’s needs and abilities are unique. Physical therapy care plans, therefore, are tailored to meet individual needs. Existing health conditions and personal goals are considered when developing the plan. As a result, the older adult receives a care plan that is both enjoyable and beneficial.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we also develop a customized care plan based on the aging care recipient’s unique care needs. An important part of the care plan is to coordinate with home health providers and rehabilitation centers for referrals. Our efforts ensure seniors are fully supported.
Fall Prevention and Senior Home Care by Assisting Hands
Professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care provide a comprehensive range of non-medical care services that allow seniors to live independently in Sarasota, FL. We prioritize fall prevention and conduct fall risk assessments to keep the elderly safe at home or in assisted living facilities.
Our attentiveness and goal of safety reduce the senior’s need for hospital visits. Additional caregiver responsibilities include transportation to exercise classes or the doctor’s office, healthy meal preparation, light housekeeping, and timely medication reminders. We’re also pleasant companions who ward off loneliness.
Each care recipient is carefully matched with a dedicated, skilled caregiver. Our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give the elderly and their families maximum peace of mind. Caregivers are trained in first aid and know how to respond to emergencies, such as falls, and act quickly.
The combination of physical therapy and the compassionate support from caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care reduces your aging loved one’s fall risk. We are privileged to serve the elderly in Sarasota, North Port, Venice, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, FL, and the surrounding areas in Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough County. Call us at (813) 868-6782 to schedule a free in-home consultation today to learn about our quality senior home care services.
