Senior Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. In fact, 1 out of every 5 Americans aged 65+ falls every year. However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through an exercise program and lifestyle adjustments, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.

John-Stairs
of older adults fall each year
1 %

Consequences

One out of every 5 falls causes a serious injury such as a fracture or head injury. The consequences of falling also go beyond just the physical body. Having a fall can impact an individual’s confidence which may cause them to lose autonomy and become more dependent. A lack of mobility and decreased independence can also impact social functioning. All of these consequences can be difficult to handle which causes some individuals to feel down or depressed.

Luckily, many of the risk factors for falling are modifiable. For example, weakness, poor balance, vision problems, poor footwear, home hazards, and pain can all be improved by taking to a physical therapist or other healthcare professional.

of hip fractures are caused by falls
1 %

Screens

  • Berg Balance Scale

The Berg Balance Scale is comprised of 14 quick tests that are each scored from 0 to 4. Therefore, a perfect score on the Berg Balance Scale is a 56. And any score less than 50 is indicative of being at a greater risk for falling (Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy). The 14 tests progress in difficulty from easiest at the beginning to hardest at the end.

  • Floor Transfer Test

To complete this test, you will need to start in a standing position, get down on the ground, lay down on your back, and then return to the standing position.  This test has been shown to be a reliable and valid indicator of functional mobility and physical disability (Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy). Are you able to perform this motion without holding onto anything or anyone? How fast were you able to do it? 

There are many different ways to get up from the floor and all are allowed in this test. Check out this quirky YouTube video showing some variations and “MacGyver” options.

responded to strength exercises which has shown to reduce risk for falls
1 %

Treatments

If you have fallen before or believe you may be at risk for falls, there is good news: your risk for falling is completely modifiable. This is because with the right exercises, anyone can improve their balance and strength. Some of these exercises are: 

  • Chair Sit to Stand
  • Cross Body Lift
  • Single Arm Carries
  • Forward and Lateral Step Overs 
  • Cross Body Lifts
  • Marching with Band Perturbation
Curious if these are the right exercises for you? Give us a call at (847) 447-3098 to schedule your comprehensive balance assessment today!