Fall Prevention Program

Mercy Rehabilitation Fall Prevention Program identifies individuals at risk for falling. It also provides a treatment program to enhance safe mobility in the home and community.

Factors that put you at increased risk for falling:

• Decreased leg strength
• Restricted joint motion
• Decreased sensation
• Poor balance
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Use of four or more medications (prescription or over the counter)
• Cognitive Impairment

People at risk for falling often limit their daily activities, thereby decreasing their strength and overall conditioning. This puts the person at even greater risk for falling.

Assessment and training
Each program participant receives a complete evaluation of strength, range of motion, gait and balance by a physical therapist. Standardized tests are used to assess risk for falling.

Based on the participant's risk for falling, an outpatient physical therapy program and/or home exercise program is developed. Physical therapy may include activities to increase strength, flexibility and balance. Recommendations are made for assistive devices (walker, cane, etc.) and home modifications as needed to enhance safety. Balance retraining may include use of the Balance Master, a computerized visual feedback system unique to the Mercy Rehabilitation Fall Prevention Program. The Balance Master provides data that can be compared to normative scores of healthy individuals of the same age.

Participating in the program
People who are experiencing falls or physical instability while performing normal daily activities are appropriate for the Fall Prevention Program. To participate, individuals must have a physician's referral for physical therapy at Mercy Rehabilitation. For more information call 712-279-2576.