Capital Health Care NetworkHow to Build Your Own Falls Prevention Plan

The older you get, the more likely you are to take a tumble. It’s one of those unpleasant truths about aging. The likelihood of a fall increases with the physical changes and common healthcare challenges associated with growing older.

Consider initiating your own individual falls prevention plan the next time you visit your doctor. Start by making a list of any questions you feel are relevant. Be sure to include details about all of your medications including any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or supplements you might be taking. It is also important to be honest about any near falls or actual falls that you may have had since your last visit. Your doctor cannot be expected to address concerns that you do not share. If you are losing your balance, feeling unsure on your feet or experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath or pain when walking, then there is likely a medical explanation. Your doctor can work with you to provide personalized fall-prevention strategies for you based on your unique healthcare conditions.

Capital Health Home Care can also play a valuable role in your fall prevention plan. Our physical therapists are experts in treating most types of balance disorders which lead to falls. They use balance training exercises, gait training, safety training, vestibular adaption exercises and muscle strengthening to help seniors safeguard or reclaim their mobility. We work hand in hand with our patient’s primary care physicians to be sure they are receiving a personalized treatment plan that addresses their individual needs and challenges.

A Note to Providers: Like you, we encourage our patients to take ownership in their recovery and wellness. Please share this newsletter with your patient who might benefit from the information.