According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of 3 adults fall every year and suffer severe disabilities. Injuries caused by falls may lead to impaired function, fear of falling, loss of confidence, ultimately lowering the quality of life. The fear of falling among older people makes them limit their activities, which in turn, reduces their mobility, impairs physical fitness, and increases their risk of falling. Risk factors for falls can be poor eyesight, muscle weakness or even hazards at home.
A center’s slip and fall prevention would include the following:
• Assessing the candidate’s physical and functional abilities to identify the risk of falling
• Identifying various factors that lead to risk
• Modifying the risk factors
• Improving mobility and enhancing independence
Enrollment in the program is based on a doctor's referral which would take into account of increased risk due to age, history, medication changes, muscle changes, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, and so on.
During the assessment, both physical and environmental factors that put the participant at a risk of falling are identified. Physical factors are modified with exercise plans such as gait testing and training, balance program and Biodex Isokinetic testing. Environmental factors are modified with tips to eliminate hazards at home such as poor lighting, slippery floors, and unstable elements.
The center also offers customized pain management services to treat acute and chronic pain in the elderly caused by various conditions such as head trauma, hip fracture, cancer, or musculoskeletal disorders.
The professional team at HealthQuest comprises expert geriatricians, pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and chiropractors dedicated to providing customized treatment and end-to-end care.