Exercise programs intended to prevent falls in seniors may also help reduce injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

The risk of falls increases the chance of nursing home admission and brings high economic costs.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging provides information about seniors and falls.

Healthy aging presents various challenges.

Brain health significantly impacts our ability to avoid falling.

According to the CDC, one in four seniors over 65 will fall each year.

Even if a fall does not cause injury, it often leads to a fear of falling.

Age should not be solely blamed for balance issues, according to Fee.

Fee suggests that a fall risk assessment is an important first step in fall prevention.

Consulting a doctor or healthcare provider can lead to a referral to a physical therapist for fall risk evaluation.

Improvement in balance requires challenging the balance system.

September is recognized as Falls Prevention Month.

Both high and low blood pressure can cause dizziness.

For seniors, a simple trip or slip can instantly change life circumstances.

Alcohol use is a controllable risk factor for falls.

Falls typically result from the interaction between a person and their environment.

Fatal falls usually result from hip fractures or head injuries.

People who die from a hip fracture after falling tend to be older and may have neurological conditions, according to Phelan.

Phelan notes that deadly head injury falls are more common in men, people on blood thinners, and those without musculoskeletal diagnoses.

Removing home tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, is important for safety.

With over 25% of older adults falling each year, there are opportunities to improve health and prevent devastating events.

How the body responds to a trip can determine whether someone falls or recovers balance.

Wearable sensors are being tested to measure the effectiveness of balance training in real-life situations.

Early diagnosis and management of fall risk is the best form of prevention.

Exercise programs intended to prevent falls in seniors may also help reduce injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Title:

Content: Exercise programs meant to prevent falls in seniors may also help prevent injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Fall-related injuries are common among seniors and a major cause of long-term pain and disability. They also increase the risk of having to go to a nursing home and have a high economic cost.

The new findings, published online Oct. 29 in the journal bmj.com, suggest that "reducing the risk of falling and improving protective responses during a fall may be an important and feasible means of preventing fractures and other serious injuries in the elderly," the study authors wrote in a journal news release.

Well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home, but there is a lack of evidence on whether such programs can help prevent fall-related injuries, said French researchers Fabienne El-Khoury and colleagues.

In this review, they analyzed 17 studies that looked at whether fall-prevention exercises lowered seniors' risk of fractures and other injuries caused by falls. More than 4,000 participants were involved in all.

Tai Chi was the exercise in two of the studies, but most of them used gait, balance, strength and functional training, which involves workouts that help people do normal daily activities.

Most of the programs reduced fall-related injuries and appeared to significantly curb falls that lead to fractures, serious injuries and medical care.

Balance training was emphasized in all of the exercises that were effective in preventing falls, the researchers noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about older adults and falls.

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What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

The risk of falls increases the chance of nursing home admission and brings high economic costs.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging provides information about seniors and falls.

Healthy aging presents various challenges.

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

Trending Video

Brain health significantly impacts our ability to avoid falling.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

According to the CDC, one in four seniors over 65 will fall each year.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Even if a fall does not cause injury, it often leads to a fear of falling.

Age should not be solely blamed for balance issues, according to Fee.

Fee suggests that a fall risk assessment is an important first step in fall prevention.

Consulting a doctor or healthcare provider can lead to a referral to a physical therapist for fall risk evaluation.

Improvement in balance requires challenging the balance system.

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

September is recognized as Falls Prevention Month.

Title:

Content: September is Falls Prevention Month

By Teresa Carr

Administrative Assistant

Would you like to learn ways to stay informed, stay healthy and save money with Medicare? The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) will have a presentation held here at the Senior Center on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 1:30 pm. Space is limited so please call to reserve your spot at (937) 544-3979.

September is Falls Prevention Month. Here is some information from AAA7 – It’s Fall – Don’t You Fall! Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. Disturbances of the inner ear are the main cause. Vertigo, the feeling that things around you are spinning, is also a common symptom. Experts believe that more than 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness that is serious enough to go to a doctor.

Balance disorders are one reason older people fall. Falls and fall-related injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person’s life. If the person in your care falls, it could limit their activities or make it impossible for them to live independently. Some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear. Aging, infections, head injury, certain medicines, or problems with blood circulation may result in a balance problem.

Diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, also can cause dizziness. High or low blood pressure also can cause dizziness. Eating low-salt or salt-free foods and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms less severe. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can also help a person manage blood pressure and balance problems.

It is important to have a potential balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Source: NIH Senior Health; www.nihseniorhealth.gov

Fall Prevention Measures

• Stay in when rainy and icy.

• Have regular vision screening check-ups for eyeglasses.

• Use separate reading glasses and other regular glasses if bifocals make it difficult to see the floor.

· Be cautious when walking on wet floors. Look carefully at floor surfaces in public buildings. Many floors are made of highly polished marble or tile that can be very slippery.

· Wear good foot support when walking. New shoes are slippery and crepe-soled shoes can cause the toe to catch.

The Summer Crisis Program has been continued through Sept. 30. Please call ABCAP’s office in Winchester, Ohio toll-free at 1-567-268-1009 to use the automated system to schedule a phone appointment. You may use this number 24/7 to make an appointment. Did you know by applying for this program, you are automatically registered for the Winter HEAP program so you don’t have to reapply for State assistance. If you need emergency assistance, due to a disconnect notice or less than a ten day’s supply of fuel, you will be able to apply during Winter Crisis program when it becomes available.

Both high and low blood pressure can cause dizziness.

For seniors, a simple trip or slip can instantly change life circumstances.

Title:

Content: Falls by seniors represent serious health concern

NEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- For seniors, life can change in the blink of an eye if they trip on a rug or slip on a wet floor.

Injuries from falls represent a significant source of pain, disability, loss of independence and early death in order adults, according to the World Health Organization.

About 1 in 4 Americans age 65 and older -- more than 14 million -- reports falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the rate is increasing, the CDC says.

"Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S --making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group," the agency says.

And the National Institute on Aging reports that "the risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age."

In late March, former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's death at age 82 due to complications from a fall at his home cast the spotlight on serious injuries that can affect seniors.

Another celebrity who endured falls was the late Nancy Reagan. The former first lady stumbled multiple times in her senior years, fracturing her pelvis, tailbone and ribs.

The reasons people are more likely to fall as they age stem in part from age-related changes in gait, strength and balance, said Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, a falls expert and founding director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at UW Medicine in Seattle.

"However, falls are not inevitable," said Phelan, who also is a professor of geriatrics. "They are largely preventable. Awareness of what contributes to falls is critical to preventing them."

Vision and hearing impairments contribute to falls. So does the accumulation of chronic conditions that affect cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neurological systems. And a drop in blood pressure -- which may happen when someone stands up after lying down or sitting -- also raises fall risk, Phelan said.

Medications that cloud people's thinking or make them feel sleepy or off-balance are another major risk factor for falls. People who die from a fall tend to take multiple medications -- six on average, she said.

"It's important for people to understand the link between medications and falls, and to initiate conversations with their doctors about whether there is an ongoing need for each of their medications," Phelan said. "There are safer alternatives to medications for many symptoms."

Alcohol use also is a risk factor that can be controlled. Recent research has found an increase in alcohol consumption among older adults and a rise in emergency department visits for alcohol-related fall injuries, she said.

Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors reduces the chances of falling. Among people who fall repeatedly, falls "are not purely accidental," Phelan said. "This is a commonly held, but false belief. In fact, falls result from the interaction of a person with their environment."

People who experience fatal falls may have had preceding decline in their functional ability -- physical, cognitive or both -- that led them to limit their outdoor mobility, so their falls occur indoors, Phelan said.

While hip fractures are associated with more advanced age and an underlying neurological condition, she noted that head injuries are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Even improper footwear can play a role in falls, said Dr. Amanda Lathia, a geriatrician who helps manage the interdisciplinary falls clinic at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

"Wearing slippers or socks in the home increases the risk for falling," Lathia said. "It is best to wear shoes with good support in the home and outside the home."

Other hazards include a lack of handrails, clutter, stairs, poor lighting, ice, snow and pets, Lathia said, noting that "the bathroom is the location of most falls as we get older."

She suggested installing handrails in the bathroom and along all stairwells, using a raised toilet seat, and avoiding going outside in bad weather.

Although most falls don't cause injury, potentially serious ones can occur. Fractures are the most common. Having a hip fracture increases the risk of dying, particularly within the first year afterward, Lathia said.

Fall-induced head trauma, such as a brain bleed, can lead to death if left treated. And if older adults fall and remain stuck on the ground for a long time, they can suffer a traumatic breakdown of muscle, which can lead to serious kidney failure and even death, she said.

Once an older adult falls, the risk for future falls rises. This "unfortunately leads to the double-edged sword of people starting to restrict their activities because they're afraid to fall," said Dr. Laurie Theriot, chief of geriatric medicine at Prisma Health's upstate region in Greenville, S.C.

"It's counterintuitive, but we actually want to see that patient walk more, create a support system and get more active to improve balance and mobility," Theriot said.

"In the hospital, we consult on so many falls that involve broken hips," she said, cautioning that health professionals need "to be really careful how we obtain [a patient's] history because, especially with osteoporosis, we may find that you fractured your hip before you fell."

That's because "osteoporosis is often undiagnosed because gradual loss of bone density is not painful until the bone actually breaks," Theriot said.

Falls that lead to death are most often due to hip fractures or head injuries. People who die after a fall that results in a hip fracture tend to be older and have an underlying neurological condition, Phelan said.

On the other hand, she noted that fatal falls stemming from a head injury are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Another problem arises when people forget if they took their medications, said Andrea Fleischman, an assistant professor in the department of occupational therapy at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus-Phoenix.

"Sometimes, older individuals will double up on their medication regimen, which can make them increasingly lethargic or dizzy," Fleischman said. She said she recommends that older adults regularly review medications with their clinicians and family members, especially if they have memory issues.

Fall prevention strategies include regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Routine physicals and vision checkups are also important, Fleischman said.

She also cited the importance of ensuring the home is safe from tripping hazards, such as throw rugs. That's because older adults may not be able to catch themselves or cushion a fall as easily as younger or middle-aged people.

But whether injuries lead to death depends to a large extent on the person's age and overall health status, Fleischman said.

Even so, "the unfortunate statistic is that the morbidity rate for a person who falls and breaks a hip is upwards of 50%," she said. "It's due to decreased mobility."

Older adults often hit their head because protective reflexes -- which prompt people to put their hands out to stop or cushion a fall -- diminish with advanced age, Fleischman said.

After a fall, timely medical care and follow-up can make a difference. "Hopefully you're able to recover, but you need that additional support to determine your risks and prevent future falls," Theriot said.

She added that "physical therapy, occupational therapy and interventions like a fall risk assessment in your home environment are all important."

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Alcohol use is a controllable risk factor for falls.

Falls typically result from the interaction between a person and their environment.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Fatal falls usually result from hip fractures or head injuries.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

People who die from a hip fracture after falling tend to be older and may have neurological conditions, according to Phelan.

Phelan notes that deadly head injury falls are more common in men, people on blood thinners, and those without musculoskeletal diagnoses.

Removing home tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, is important for safety.

With over 25% of older adults falling each year, there are opportunities to improve health and prevent devastating events.

Title:

Content: There were 2,096 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 244,548 in the last 365 days.

Sequoia Living Invites Region to Help Promote Health & Well-Being by Reducing Fall Risk for Older Adults

Sequoia Living's Logo

Sequoia Living will be hosting Dr. Chris Thompson on Sept. 21, join us for a free webinar on incorporating an exercise routine to reduce fall risk.

With over 25% of older adults accidentally falling each year, there is an opportunity to help people in the greater Bay Area live a healthier life and avoid a devastating health event. ”
— says Sara McVey, CEO and President of Sequoia Living
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit, invites people and organizations in the region to adopt a healthy mindset and become familiar with fall prevention strategies. During National Fall Prevention Month and Awareness Week, September 18-24, Sequoia Living also encourages individuals to recognize and aid an older adult who can benefit from increased exercise, better nutrition, hazard reduction in the home, and community support.

To educate the public, its residents, and participants of San Francisco Senior Centers, Sequoia Living will present Dr. Chris Thompson on September 21 at 2 pm for a one-hour Zoom seminar on how to incorporate an exercise routine to reduce fall risk. For a resource list and more information about falling, please visit: www.SequoiaLiving.org/stopfalls.

“With over 25% of older adults accidentally falling each year, there is an opportunity to help people in the greater Bay Area live a healthier life and avoid a devastating health event,” says Sara McVey, CEO and President of Sequoia Living.

According to the National Council on Aging, accidental falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over 65 in the US. Falls are preventable and not a normal part of aging. Over 3 million seniors were treated in an emergency room from a fall last year, resulting in more than $50 billion in medical costs.

While the cost of treatment is high for these injuries, the pain associated can be excruciating and reduce a person’s mobility and quality of life. Through exercise, eating healthy, knowing your surroundings, and having community support, you and your loved ones are being proactive in your health and longevity.

How can you help reduce the risk of an accidental fall for a loved one?

- Encourage them to review all prescriptions and over-the-counter supplements with their pharmacist and primary care doctor. The combinations of both -- over-the-counter and prescribed drugs can cause drowsiness and dizziness which can increase the risk of an accidental fall.
- Ensure they are hydrated and are getting enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
- Remove trip hazards such as throw rugs and extension cords.
- Make sure lighting is illuminating paths in and around the home, and that all burnt bulbs are replaced.

At Sequoias Living, fall prevention is a continuous endeavor for the safety of our residents and staff members. Our mission is to provide homes and services for healthy aging. We strive to create stimulating, joyful living environments that support and enrich the lives of older adults.

About Sequoia Living
Sequoia Living, a Bay Area nonprofit since 1958, provides older adults with retirement communities and services designed to support and enrich lives. In 2021, Sequoia Living served more than 7,000 older adults through the organization's four life plan communities, three affordable housing communities, two senior centers, and community services programs.

Lola Rain
Sequoia Living
LRain@sequoialiving.org
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Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How the body responds to a trip can determine whether someone falls or recovers balance.

Title:

Content: Newswise — The sounds of Jon Passic’s footsteps inside the Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Lab in Whittemore Hall were barely discernible over Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” blaring from a small speaker.

Passic, who wore a fall protection harness connected to an overhead support system, paced back and forth on the lab’s testing walkway. Suddenly, the whirring of the harness stopped as Passic tripped over a manufactured hazard in his path. He reacted with a series of quick, short steps, pulled his body upright, and continued to walk forward as a group of graduate students and researchers watched his every move on a set of monitors.

While the trip was unexpected for Passic, the team of engineers conducting this experiment had meticulously planned that exact moment to observe his recovery.

Passic is just one participant in a study led by the Madigan Biomechanics Group in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering that seeks solutions to a common problem: trips and falls. Professor Michael Madigan and Ph.D. candidate Youngjae Lee are researching how an innovative balance training regimen could potentially reduce injuries sustained from trip-induced falls in adults over 65.

“Falls are the No. 1 contributor to injuries among adults over the age of 65, and tripping while walking is a major reason for this,” said Madigan.  “How we move our body in response to a trip makes all the difference in the world in terms of whether we will fall or be able to recover our balance. What we’re doing with this training is trying to improve that response, so we can do it effectively without thinking about it."

Modern, accessible solutions for a common problem

Improving a person’s balance to prevent serious falls is not uncommon research for human factors groups, but balancing efficacy and accessibility can be challenging. For Madigan, however, this is not his first venture to harness an innovative solution to preventing trip-induced falls. His prior research focused on understanding why falls happen and developing corresponding balance training programs to improve reactive response after a trip. Most of this training used a highly specialized treadmill, which while effective, proved to be expensive and cumbersome.

“Even if the treadmill works from a scientific perspective, we had to consider if it was cost effective for the end user,” Madigan said. “That’s really most of our focus for this research — how can we get rid of the treadmill all together while still training better responses to a trip?”

Removing the treadmill not only makes the training much more cost effective, but also increases accessibility. Training could then take place at senior community centers, rehabilitation offices, retirement communities, and other locations.

“Dr. Madigan mentioned that non-treadmill training could hopefully resolve limitations regarding cost and space,” Lee said. “It was a perfect fit for my research interests. We went through multiple pilot studies to develop a non-treadmill training method, and the current protocol we’re using is a result of those studies.”

After the pilot studies were completed, Lee sorted his research into three parts. First, Lee and Madigan developed a training program that focuses on reactively regaining balance after tripping. Next, Lee has been testing wearable sensors outside the lab to determine if they can accurately track movements and record data for researchers. From there, the goal is for the wearable sensors to measure the effectiveness of balance training in the real world — where trips are largely unavoidable and unexpected rather than a lab setting where most of this research has already been done.

Practice makes perfect

Lee’s research focuses on reactive balance, or a person’s ability to respond to a trip and regain balance, and researchers have identified key movements that can make this possible. Lee’s balance training helps participants regain their centers of gravity and strengthen their bodies so recovery after a fall is easier.

Prior research has shown that when people trip, they must do three things to prevent a fall:

  • Quickly control the motion of their torso and try to avoid leaning forward.
  • Take quick steps to get their feet in front of the center of their body and continue stepping forward.
  • Ensure their legs don't collapse by maintaining adequate hip height.

The balance training allows participants to safely and repeatedly practice these movements in a controlled manner. Over the course of three weeks, Lee and other graduate students meet with participants twice per week to go through  progressive stepping exercises that mimic the movements necessary to regain footing during a fall. Once participants are comfortable stepping, the training extends to balancing the upper body and learning to balance the torso.

At the end of their training program, participants harness up and test their balance recovery skills in the lab.

“Youngjae’s research is allowing people to practice these movements over and over in a safe, controlled environment,” Madigan said. “We’re able to put people in body postures similar to what they would experience if they tripped and then allow them to practice these critical movements that we, and others, have identified as the movements you need to complete to recover your balance. As much as we can, we try to simulate a real trip and let participants practice how they would respond to it.”

In addition to the balance training, participants wear the sensors that record body movements on their shoes and underneath their clothing outside the lab for three weeks after training. Lee checks the wearable sensors weekly to ensure they’re working properly and collecting data. Participants also use voice recorders to describe any incidents of trips and falls and subsequent response.

“The data from the wearable sensors shows us if there are any differences in responses to slips and trips from people who have completed the training,” Lee said. “Not only could these sensors provide meaningful data, they are also less expensive and require less setup time than similar testing in a lab.”

Lee plans to conclude research this summer and defend his dissertation at the end of the year. Pending results, researchers hope to partner with organizations and recruit even more participants to continue learning about mitigating trip-induced falls. Eventually, the goal is for balance training to occur in spaces widely used by older adults, such as retirement communities and senior centers.

To recruit participants for the study, Lee and Madigan partnered with Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology, the Virginia Tech Lifelong Learning Institute, local senior centers in Christiansburg and Blacksburg, and Warm Hearth Village.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Wearable sensors are being tested to measure the effectiveness of balance training in real-life situations.

Early diagnosis and management of fall risk is the best form of prevention.

Title:

Content: HEALTH-WISE: Preventing and treating falls

Dr Aditi Malpani, Geriatric Specialist, Sancheti Hospital
Dr Aditi Malpani, Geriatric Specialist, Sancheti Hospital

Physical, as well as mental well-being, is very important for a healthy and quality life. Ageing can cause a few physiologic changes in the body which interact with disease conditions. Therefore, timely diagnosing and managing the problem is the best form of prevention.

Falls and osteoporosis
Most older adults tend to fall and the outcome may be an exacerbation of existing illness, fractures, or injuries; eventually the rate of hospitalisation increases.

Risk factors for falls include
Reduced muscle mass and strength - weak muscles
Poor balance and depth perception
Impaired vision and reduced dark adaptation
Reduced sensations - Peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes, Vit B12 deficiency
Confusion and reduced attention span
Hypoglycemia
Postural drop in blood pressure
Arrhythmias - variation in heart rate - too low or too fast
Dehydration and infections
Anemia
Medication side effects
Urine incontinence/urgency
Chronic health conditions like arthritis, Parkinson¡¦s, dementia, heart diseases
Pain in joints or sudden onset pain
Environmental factors like slippery surfaces, wet floor, rugs, uneven ground

Ten tips for fall prevention in the elderly:
Tell your doctor about a previous fall and undergo a risk assessment.
Getting up suddenly, walking hurriedly, and wearing improper footwear should be avoided.
Remove unwanted furniture, keep the floor dry and do away with dim lighting. Install grab bars and handrails wherever needed.
If unsteady while walking, use assistive devices like canes or walkers.
Being physically active and practicing yoga can help.
Blood pressure, blood sugar and vision should be tested periodically.
Avoid smoking and restrict alcohol intake. Maintain good sleep hygiene.
Never take excess medications.
Avoid psychoactive medications and include adequate amounts of calcium, Vitamin D, B12 and iron in your diet.
If treatment of any disease mandates the use of steroids, it is a definite indication to screen for osteoporosis with the help of bone densitometry.

What to do when a fall occurs?
Stay calm and do not try to get up suddenly.
If able to move, stand up slowly with the support of the nearest sturdy object. Call for help if you can't.
Check blood sugar, blood pressure, complete blood count, and serum electrolytes.
Inform your doctor and assess for any internal injury. Revise the medications periodically.
Implement preventive measures at the earliest.

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Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.


One out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Even if a fall doesn’t result in injury, it can lead to a fear of falling, which decreases independence.

Medications, particularly certain types, may raise the risk of falls in older adults.

A fall risk assessment by a healthcare professional is a recommended first step to preventing falls.

Physical therapists can evaluate fall risk and develop personalized plans for balance improvement.

Improvement in balance requires challenging the body and mind through tailored interventions.

Falls and fall-related injuries often result in reduced ability to perform activities of daily living and increase the need for support or care.

Common risks for falls include tripping on rugs or slipping on wet floors, and alcohol use is another controllable risk factor.

Fractures are the most frequent injury from falls in older adults.

Fatal falls are commonly the result of hip fractures or head injuries, and those taking blood thinners or without musculoskeletal diagnoses are at higher risk for serious outcomes from head injuries.

Making the home safer, such as removing throw rugs, plays a critical role in fall prevention.

Hospital and rehabilitation teams, including RNs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians are engaged in patient care and decision-making after a fall.

Recommendations may include discharge to skilled nursing facilities for those needing ongoing therapy before returning home.

Rehabilitation at home after events like stroke requires teamwork and ongoing effort to enhance quality of life.

Adaptive devices and innovations can help restore abilities after injury, allowing patients to return to the activities they enjoy.

Social connection and stimulating the brain are important strategies for promoting safe aging in place.

Even with support and care, falls among aging adults may still result in considerable changes to family dynamics and caregiving routines.

One out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

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Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Even if a fall doesn’t result in injury, it can lead to a fear of falling, which decreases independence.

Medications, particularly certain types, may raise the risk of falls in older adults.

A fall risk assessment by a healthcare professional is a recommended first step to preventing falls.

Physical therapists can evaluate fall risk and develop personalized plans for balance improvement.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Improvement in balance requires challenging the body and mind through tailored interventions.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Falls and fall-related injuries often result in reduced ability to perform activities of daily living and increase the need for support or care.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Common risks for falls include tripping on rugs or slipping on wet floors, and alcohol use is another controllable risk factor.

Title:

Content: Falls by seniors represent serious health concern

NEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- For seniors, life can change in the blink of an eye if they trip on a rug or slip on a wet floor.

Injuries from falls represent a significant source of pain, disability, loss of independence and early death in order adults, according to the World Health Organization.

About 1 in 4 Americans age 65 and older -- more than 14 million -- reports falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the rate is increasing, the CDC says.

"Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S --making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group," the agency says.

And the National Institute on Aging reports that "the risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age."

In late March, former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's death at age 82 due to complications from a fall at his home cast the spotlight on serious injuries that can affect seniors.

Another celebrity who endured falls was the late Nancy Reagan. The former first lady stumbled multiple times in her senior years, fracturing her pelvis, tailbone and ribs.

The reasons people are more likely to fall as they age stem in part from age-related changes in gait, strength and balance, said Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, a falls expert and founding director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at UW Medicine in Seattle.

"However, falls are not inevitable," said Phelan, who also is a professor of geriatrics. "They are largely preventable. Awareness of what contributes to falls is critical to preventing them."

Vision and hearing impairments contribute to falls. So does the accumulation of chronic conditions that affect cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neurological systems. And a drop in blood pressure -- which may happen when someone stands up after lying down or sitting -- also raises fall risk, Phelan said.

Medications that cloud people's thinking or make them feel sleepy or off-balance are another major risk factor for falls. People who die from a fall tend to take multiple medications -- six on average, she said.

"It's important for people to understand the link between medications and falls, and to initiate conversations with their doctors about whether there is an ongoing need for each of their medications," Phelan said. "There are safer alternatives to medications for many symptoms."

Alcohol use also is a risk factor that can be controlled. Recent research has found an increase in alcohol consumption among older adults and a rise in emergency department visits for alcohol-related fall injuries, she said.

Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors reduces the chances of falling. Among people who fall repeatedly, falls "are not purely accidental," Phelan said. "This is a commonly held, but false belief. In fact, falls result from the interaction of a person with their environment."

People who experience fatal falls may have had preceding decline in their functional ability -- physical, cognitive or both -- that led them to limit their outdoor mobility, so their falls occur indoors, Phelan said.

While hip fractures are associated with more advanced age and an underlying neurological condition, she noted that head injuries are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Even improper footwear can play a role in falls, said Dr. Amanda Lathia, a geriatrician who helps manage the interdisciplinary falls clinic at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

"Wearing slippers or socks in the home increases the risk for falling," Lathia said. "It is best to wear shoes with good support in the home and outside the home."

Other hazards include a lack of handrails, clutter, stairs, poor lighting, ice, snow and pets, Lathia said, noting that "the bathroom is the location of most falls as we get older."

She suggested installing handrails in the bathroom and along all stairwells, using a raised toilet seat, and avoiding going outside in bad weather.

Although most falls don't cause injury, potentially serious ones can occur. Fractures are the most common. Having a hip fracture increases the risk of dying, particularly within the first year afterward, Lathia said.

Fall-induced head trauma, such as a brain bleed, can lead to death if left treated. And if older adults fall and remain stuck on the ground for a long time, they can suffer a traumatic breakdown of muscle, which can lead to serious kidney failure and even death, she said.

Once an older adult falls, the risk for future falls rises. This "unfortunately leads to the double-edged sword of people starting to restrict their activities because they're afraid to fall," said Dr. Laurie Theriot, chief of geriatric medicine at Prisma Health's upstate region in Greenville, S.C.

"It's counterintuitive, but we actually want to see that patient walk more, create a support system and get more active to improve balance and mobility," Theriot said.

"In the hospital, we consult on so many falls that involve broken hips," she said, cautioning that health professionals need "to be really careful how we obtain [a patient's] history because, especially with osteoporosis, we may find that you fractured your hip before you fell."

That's because "osteoporosis is often undiagnosed because gradual loss of bone density is not painful until the bone actually breaks," Theriot said.

Falls that lead to death are most often due to hip fractures or head injuries. People who die after a fall that results in a hip fracture tend to be older and have an underlying neurological condition, Phelan said.

On the other hand, she noted that fatal falls stemming from a head injury are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Another problem arises when people forget if they took their medications, said Andrea Fleischman, an assistant professor in the department of occupational therapy at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus-Phoenix.

"Sometimes, older individuals will double up on their medication regimen, which can make them increasingly lethargic or dizzy," Fleischman said. She said she recommends that older adults regularly review medications with their clinicians and family members, especially if they have memory issues.

Fall prevention strategies include regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Routine physicals and vision checkups are also important, Fleischman said.

She also cited the importance of ensuring the home is safe from tripping hazards, such as throw rugs. That's because older adults may not be able to catch themselves or cushion a fall as easily as younger or middle-aged people.

But whether injuries lead to death depends to a large extent on the person's age and overall health status, Fleischman said.

Even so, "the unfortunate statistic is that the morbidity rate for a person who falls and breaks a hip is upwards of 50%," she said. "It's due to decreased mobility."

Older adults often hit their head because protective reflexes -- which prompt people to put their hands out to stop or cushion a fall -- diminish with advanced age, Fleischman said.

After a fall, timely medical care and follow-up can make a difference. "Hopefully you're able to recover, but you need that additional support to determine your risks and prevent future falls," Theriot said.

She added that "physical therapy, occupational therapy and interventions like a fall risk assessment in your home environment are all important."

Fractures are the most frequent injury from falls in older adults.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Fatal falls are commonly the result of hip fractures or head injuries, and those taking blood thinners or without musculoskeletal diagnoses are at higher risk for serious outcomes from head injuries.

Making the home safer, such as removing throw rugs, plays a critical role in fall prevention.

Hospital and rehabilitation teams, including RNs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians are engaged in patient care and decision-making after a fall.

Title:

Content: Hospital Care Team Members

ByMichael Joseph Pistoria, MEng, DO, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Coordinated Health
Reviewed/Revised Oct 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

    Depending on the care that is needed, a person staying in the hospital may interact with many different staff members every day. If health care professionals do not introduce themselves and explain their role, the person or family members should ask them to do so.

    A hospital care team includes many different health care professionals.

    Attending physician

    The attending physician is the leader of the team and has responsibility for all decisions that affect a person's care, including diagnosis, treatments, and supervision of the remainder of the team.

    Based on the problem that brought the person to the hospital, the attending physician may be a hospitalist (a doctor who is trained in internal medicine and works only with people who are hospitalized), a surgeon, or another specialist physician. In smaller communities, the person's primary care doctor may act as the attending physician.

    Residents, interns, and medical students (house staff)

    Some hospitals are designated as teaching hospitals. That is, the hospital team includes medical students who are at various stages of education and who are supervised by the attending physician.

    A resident or intern is a fully licensed doctor who is engaged in further training after graduating from medical school.

    Although these team members are not attending physicians, they are often active members of the team.

    Specialists

    When people have complex or serious medical problems, the attending physician sometimes requests that specialists evaluate the person and recommend how to best diagnose and treat the problems. For example, the specialist may be a doctor who is extensively trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart (cardiologist), kidneys (nephrologist), or cancer (oncologist). In other cases, the specialist may be a surgeon who has particular expertise in one area, such as the brain, spine, and nerves (neurosurgeon) or muscles, bones, and joints (orthopedic surgeon).

    Registered nurses

    People usually have more contact with the registered nurses (RNs) assigned to their care than any other member of the team. RNs give medications to people and monitor and evaluate their physical and emotional needs. When a person's condition suddenly changes, RNs are often the first to detect the change. RNs then report the change to the attending physician or house staff. RNs may be charge nurses or nurse supervisors, organizing and monitoring overall nursing care in a hospital unit.

    Licensed practical nurses

    Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are supervised by RNs and provide basic medical and nursing care. For example, LPNs check blood pressure, insert catheters, and help people bathe and dress. LPNs also talk to people about their health care, answer their questions, and report how they are doing to RNs and doctors.

    Nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants

    Nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants (PAs) work closely with the attending physician to coordinate a person's daily care. They also help with doing physical examinations and ordering medications and treatments when people have more common or routine medical or surgical problems. Although nurse practitioners and PAs are not doctors, they have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. Nurse practitioners and PAs are supervised by doctors.

    Patient advocates

    Patient advocates are non-medical administrators employed by the hospital to assist patients receiving care there. In general, they handle complaints that people have about their treatment or health care professionals. People can meet with a patient advocate if they feel uncomfortable discussing concerns directly with their health care professionals or they feel that their concerns have not been addressed.

    Patient care technicians

    Traditionally called nurse’s aides, patient care technicians help nurses with people's care. Their duties may include

    • Obtaining vital signs (such as measuring blood pressure and temperature)

    • Moving people to and from a bed or wheelchair

    • Helping people with walking

    • Providing items for people's comfort (such as pillows and blankets)

    • Sometimes, helping feed people who cannot feed themselves

    Physical therapists

    Physical therapists evaluate and treat people who have difficulty functioning—for example, difficulty walking, changing positions, or transferring from a bed to a chair. These problems may develop or worsen in the hospital because people have to stay in bed a long time (bed rest), as may occur after surgery, or because their disorder worsens.

    Physical therapists assess people's strength, endurance, and coordination and design brief in-hospital exercise programs to help people function better physically and become more independent. Often, physical therapists help doctors determine whether people are likely to be able to function on their own at home after they are discharged from the hospital or whether they may need help at home or need to stay at a skilled nursing facility for additional physical therapy.

    Occupational therapists

    Occupational therapists assess people's ability to do their daily activities. These activities include eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, using the toilet, cooking, and cleaning.

    Occupational therapists can recommend strategies and devices to help people function more independently.

    Speech pathologists

    Speech pathologists work closely with people who have had a stroke or who have another disorder that interferes with swallowing or communication. For example, if a stroke causes problems with swallowing, speech pathologists recommend that the person eat foods with certain textures. They can suggest ways to swallow that can prevent food from going into the lungs instead of the stomach. They also evaluate the thought processes involved in communication.

    Hospital pharmacists

    Pharmacists specialize in how medications work and interact with each other. Hospitals have pharmacists on their staff who supervise the use of medications in the hospital. If needed, hospital pharmacists teach people how to safely and effectively take the medications prescribed for them. For example, pharmacists may advise people to avoid specific foods that interact with their prescribed medications or teach people how to inject medications (such as insulin) at home. Hospital pharmacists also provide information to doctors and answer questions about specific medication actions and interactions.

    Social workers

    Social workers provide support, information, and education. They help people prepare for discharge from the hospital by identifying and arranging helpful services that can be provided in the home and community. For example, they may refer people to a skilled nursing facility if people are not well enough to return home and need ongoing care and therapy after discharge from the hospital. Social workers also coordinate certain home health care needs, including a visiting nurse or physical therapist and medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds.

    Dietitians

    Registered dietitians have specialized nutritional and medical training that helps them determine a person's dietary needs and plan the person's meals in and out of the hospital, as requested by the attending physician. When planning meals, dietitians consider the person's personal, cultural, and religious food preferences.

    Certain medical conditions have very specific dietary requirements. For example, people with diabetes need a low-sugar diet, and some people with kidney problems need a low-potassium diet. Dietitians can advise people about which foods satisfy these requirements and which foods they should avoid.

    Interpreters

    For people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and for people whose first language is a foreign language, hospitals provide an interpreter who has special skills in medical terminology. Sometimes the interpreter is present in person, and sometimes, the interpreter is available by telephone or video conference in the person's hospital room.

    Rapid response team

    Rapid response teams are groups of designated hospital staff (often a doctor, nurse, and respiratory therapist) who quickly come to a person's hospital room if there is any indication that their condition is deteriorating, such as abnormal vital signs, trouble breathing, chest pain, or signs of a stroke. After ordering tests or starting treatments to stabilize a person's condition, the team contacts the attending physician and may move the person to another area of the hospital for specialized monitoring or treatment.

    Other team members

    Other staff members may be involved in a person's hospital care. They may include a radiologist and radiology technician, a respiratory therapist for people with breathing problems, staff members to help transport people within the hospital, clergy, and hospital volunteers.

    Test your KnowledgeTake a Quiz!

Recommendations may include discharge to skilled nursing facilities for those needing ongoing therapy before returning home.

Rehabilitation at home after events like stroke requires teamwork and ongoing effort to enhance quality of life.

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World Stroke Day 2021: Rehabilitation Of A Stroke Patient At Home, Know How To Do It Right

Once the stroke survivor is at home, coordinated effort is needed from the physician, nurse, family members, home caregivers, and special therapists. Read on to know about it.

Written by Editorial Team |Updated : October 29, 2021 5:40 PM IST

The burden of stroke is on the rise in India and is now the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. Almost 40 per cent of stroke patients have a moderate disability, and 15-30 per cent have a severe disability when discharged from the hospital. A stroke happens when blood flow to any part of the brain is blocked. Each patient has a different recovery time and may need long-term care. Stroke patients may experience problems with moving, thinking, speech, and performing regular activities. Nearly half of the post-stroke patients are dependent on others for their day-to-day life activities. Some patients improve in the first few weeks or months after a stroke, while others take months or years to recover after a stroke.

Stroke patients need individualized care

Home care of stroke patients aims to improve the quality of patients' life and their inabilities to do their daily activities. The key to effective home care is person-centered care with a humanistic and holistic approach.

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Importance of rehabilitative therapies

Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of caring for stroke survivors. Stroke rehabilitation includes speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Speech therapy is needed for those who have difficulty in speaking or understanding speech. Physical therapy helps the patient relearn movement and coordination skills through exercise, which may have been lost due to stroke. Occupational therapy emphasizes improving daily activities like eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.

Make your home patient friendly

At home, specific changes in the setup may be needed to keep the patient safe from falls in the house and bathroom, avoid unnecessary wandering and make the home easier to use. For example, the bed and bathroom should be within easy reach. In addition, family counseling and support, visiting nurses, or aides help improve the patient's quality of life.

Home care is essential

A stroke patient may experience muscle, joint, and nerve problems. Muscles on one side of the body may be weaker or may not move at all; different joints and muscles may become hard to move. In such cases, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation doctors may visit and help the patient relearn how to -

  • Dress, groom, and eat
  • Use support to stay mobile
  • Stay physically active and work on keeping all muscles strong
  • Use stretching exercises and braces to manage muscle spasms or tightness.

Toilet training may be needed

Another issue faced by stroke patients is a problem with bladder or bowel control. This may result in loss of bowel or bladder control, diarrhea or constipation, urge to urinate frequently, or difficulty in emptying the bladder. At home, the caregiver can work out a bladder or bowel schedule. A commode chair may be kept close to where the patient sits most of the day. The caregiver may also help prevent skin or pressure sores by cleaning up after incontinence, frequent change in position, and watching out for sores.

Role of caregivers

Problems with swallowing may arise due to lack of attention when eating or damage caused to the nerves that help in swallowing. As mentioned earlier, a speech therapist may help with swallowing and eating problems after a stroke. In addition, diet changes, such as thickening liquids or eating pureed foods, may be helpful. High-calorie foods or supplements containing vitamins or minerals can also prevent weight loss and keep the patient healthy. Once the stroke survivor is at home, a team effort is needed to help improve the patient's quality of life. The patient's physician, nurse (sometimes specialized stroke nurses may be required), family members, home caregivers, and special therapists have to work together to help patients perform everyday tasks, rehabilitation exercises, and assist in speech, swallowing, and eating.

(This article is authored by Dr Vishal Sehgal, President, Medical Services, Portea Medical)

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Adaptive devices and innovations can help restore abilities after injury, allowing patients to return to the activities they enjoy.

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Run with purpose: join WNEP's Ryan's Run team in 2022 & help change lives across our area

It's an update story months in the making. Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey highlights how to get involved in year 13 and shows how last year's funds are being used today.
Credit: Ryan's Run/Allied Services

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — It's an update story that's been many weeks in the making.

After year 12 of WNEP's Ryan's Run last fall raised $507,054.00, today, Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey is following the money as promised.

Ryan wanted to show our family of viewers how their donations to the campaign in 2021 are being put to use now to help change lives today at Allied Services.

WNEP's Ryan's Run raises money to help change the lives for the better of kids and adults with disabilities served by Allied Services, one of our area's largest nonprofits.

Ryan visited Allied's Scranton campus on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Allied's therapists and leaders joined Ryan to highlight some of the cutting-edge rehabilitation technology so many of you helped make possible from your donations in year 12.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AT WORK:

The following devices below were purchased from funds raised through WNEP's Ryan's Run 12.

Some of the money remaining will be used for future investments in technology to help Allied continue to make "miracles in rehab" happen every day.

ALTER-G TREADMILL

  • Allied Services will introduce this device to help people with a wide range of conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, leg injuries, sports injuries.
  • The Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology empowers people to move in new ways and without pain – to recover mobility, improve wellness, and enhance physical performance. Whether you want to get back to life as quickly as possible after orthopedic injury or surgery, or you want to gain strength and endurance while managing a neurological condition, chronic disease, or obesity – AlterG can give you new power to achieve your goals.

RENDEVER VIRTUAL REALITY

  • Allied Services will introduce this device, the Rendever Virtual Reality, to residents in our personal care facilities.
  • Description:  Rendever is overcoming social isolation through the power of virtual reality and shared experiences. Customized reminiscence therapy tools allow residents to take a stroll down memory lane by revisiting their childhood home, wedding location or anywhere else from their past. The technology provides opportunities for residents to virtually leave the four walls of their community to check off bucket list items and engage with the world in ways they never thought possible.

BIONESS BITS BALANCE

  • Allied Services has been using the Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS) for a number of years. This latest model has enhanced features that specifically address balance issues in patients. It will be used to help people with balance following stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions and more.
  • Description: The Vector Gait & Safety System allows patients to improve strength, while addressing muscle weakness. The Bioness Integrated Therapy

System for Balance (BITS Balance) combines visual, cognitive, motor, and balance training into one system, making it a multidisciplinary therapy solution. Across the industry, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists are using BITS Balance to train patients with varying degrees of mobility, driving patient outcomes.

RUN WITH A PURPOSE:

Join WNEP's Ryan's Run Team For Year 13

If you applied for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon "lottery," but didn't get a spot, here's your chance!

It's a way for runners across our area to run the world famous marathon in the Big Apple and help change lives in our area at the same time.

2022 TCS New York City Marathon Updates:

  • The TCS New York City Marathon will return at full capacity in 2022 for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak, New York Road Runners announced. That means 50,000 runners will once again toe the line on November 6 at the world's largest marathon.
  • Many thousands of people attempt to get a spot in the marathon by taking part in a random drawing, the results of which were announced on March 30, 2022.
  • If you didn't get selected in the drawing, you can still secure a spot by running for a charity such as WNEP's Ryan's Run.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR OUR TEAM IN 2022:

  • For the 13th consecutive year, Allied Services and WNEP's Ryan's Run are proud to be an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon.
  • You have the opportunity to join Allied Services employees and representatives of our corporate sponsors in running the TCS New York City Marathon.
  • By joining the Ryan’s Run team, you commit to raise a minimum of $3,500 in support of children and adults with disabilities at Allied Services.
  • CLICK HERE to apply and learn more about what's involved.

    FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT WNEP'S RYAN’S RUN:

    Ryan's Run is spearheaded by Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey who works closely with a special events team at Allied Services.

    Ryan’s Run earned the silvery charity status by the New York Road Runners. The status puts our campaign on the same level as internationally respected organizations such as UNICEF.

    Runners are always chosen during the winter months through applications submitted through WNEP and Allied.

    To date, WNEP's Ryan’s Run has raised more than $4.6 million to help kids and adults with disabilities throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

    The campaign has also received multiple honors.

    Ryan’s Run was named by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters as an “Outstanding Television Public Service Campaign.”

    The videos highlight some special moments with WNEP's Ryan's Run 12 included the finale which happened on November, 12, 2021.

Social connection and stimulating the brain are important strategies for promoting safe aging in place.

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Great Rivers United Way: Helping to meet needs of elderly

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Fifty-eight percent of 2021 Compass Now survey respondents rated this region as a place that meets the overall needs of elderly persons as “good to excellent.” Not bad, but with a growing aging population and long-term care facilities struggling to keep workers, we see the potential for this rating to drop over the next several years.

The pandemic revealed a significant problem within the system that cares for our elderly. Within care facilities, low wages, tough hours, increased safety protocols, increased patient loads, and grueling work took its toll on nursing assistants and other care providers for elders. There was already a problem with turnover in the industry, and the pandemic caused additional stress and burnout. Even with reported wage increases, nursing assistants and other care support providers don’t earn enough to thrive (ALICE Report).

The added stress of loving an elderly person who is suffering with dementia or Alzheimer’s brings a twist to the conversation, as well. Many of us are in the season of life where we are both loving children to parents experiencing memory loss and loving grandparents to little ones. I can attest to the difficulty of being sandwiched between a parent with dementia and being an active grandparent. There are times when it simply isn’t easy. Making sure that caregiver is using resources for their own care is important.

If an elderly person is lucky (and many are), they are able to stay in their homes as they age. The CDC defines “aging in place” as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. This option might be the best for many. Aging in place (if possible) can build self-esteem, keep bank accounts healthier, and reduce familial stress overall, depending on the level of care needed.

Hospitals are identifying the need for aging in place because there are not enough beds in long-term care facilities to send recovering patients. Patients are often staying longer at the hospital if staff do not see a safe return home.

Great Rivers United Way is helping to meet this need by adding a Care Transition (CTI) Coach to the Great Rivers HUB. This CTI Coach role will be working to reduce the readmittance of those who have been discharged from local hospitals. During the 30-day program, a client (and/or family caregiver) will work with a Transitions Coach, employed by GRUW, to provide the client key tools to be more active in their health. This evidence-based intervention is comprised of five encounters: a hospital visit, a home visit, and three follow-up phone calls after the home visit has occurred.

One of the biggest disadvantages to aging in place can be loneliness and isolation. Great Rivers United Way funds several partner programs that address the needs of the elderly and keeps them safe in their homes, while also addressing loneliness: Cia Siab, Inc.’s Elders Holistic Health Advocacy Program; La Crescent Area Healthy Community Partnership’s Neighbors in Action; and Mobile Meals of La Crosse’s Home-Delivered Meal Program.

The funded program at Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – not only engages volunteers ages 55+, but many of those volunteer opportunities connect them with the elderly in their community. You, too, can volunteer at one of the above organizations and make a significant difference in the life of an elderly person attempting to live at home as they age. Every one of those agencies take donations, as well.

If you would like more information about supporting an elderly family member, neighbor, or friend, your local ADRC office is a great place to start. They have information about helping those folks, as well as how to prevent burnout – caregivers need support, too! The CDC has tips and tricks for best keeping your own brain sharp, so that aging in place is an option for you, too.

Lastly, you can make a difference by checking in with someone you know that might benefit from an extra hand, a partner for a game of cards, or an hour of conversation. This small effort goes a long way for everyone involved.

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