Fall Risk Assessment and Conditioning Program

Fall Risk Assessment and Conditioning Program

For older adults, falls are one of the greatest causes of serious health problems.  Studies show that approximately 5% of falls by older adults result in a fracture...25% of patients over the age of 65 with hip fractures die within six months...25% lose significant function, and 50% experience a decrease in mobility.

Entry into the Program

You'll just need a doctor's referral based on increased risk due to medical condition, age, history, medication changes, muscle changes, degenerative joint disease, joint replacement or osteoporosis.

The program consists of two parts:

1. Assessment - The assessment determines if you are "at risk" for falling.  A series of tests will identify the factors causing you to be "at risk."  The factors may be physical, such as strength, balance, walking speed, step length, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and visual or environmental, such as hazards around your home.  During the first visit an assessment will be completed.  The assessment will consist of:
   • General Health Questions
   • Strength Test
   • Balance Test
   • Walking Test
   • Visual Assessment

   Results of the tests will be reviewed with you and further appointments will be made based upon your individual need (typically 2-5 additional visits).

2. Conditioning/Follow-Up Visits - The conditioning part of the program is designed to modify the factors causing you to be "at risk."  The physical factors are modified with an exercise plan designed just for you based upon information obtained in the assessment.  Environmental factors are modified by helping you to eliminate hazards at home or in your community.  Elkhart General offers free home visits to assess these factors and can also provide a checklist for you to do your own home assessment.

Modifying the factors that lead to falls will increase mobility and confidence, both are critical to maintaining an independent life style.

Strength Test

Strength is an important factor for a rapid response to a balance disturbance.  Testing will identify weakness and, if necessary, exercise will significantly improve ankle and leg strength.

Balance Test

Normal balance is controlled by a complex combination of visual, muscular and neurological systems. Together, these factors keep us from falling when we encounter an unexpected disturbance.  Testing and, if necessary, exercise will improve an individual's ability to remain upright under challenging conditions.

Walking Test

Older adults typically display a slower walking speed.  Steps are also shorter and vary in length.  These are factors related to falls.  Independence is directly related to walking speed.  Testing and, if necessary, exercise help you learn how to walk more safely and confidently.

Visual Assessment

As the eye ages, the quality of vision declines and results in visual impairment.  Visual impairment affects how you would deal with your environment, increasing your risks of falls and fractures.  Occupational therapy screening will address how these changes in vision will affect you functionally and provide you with the proper precautions for your safety at home and in the community.

Hazards at Home

Many of the biggest causes of falls are in the home and easily correctable.  Simple changes may reduce the risk.  This is a list of some of the risk factors which may exist in your home.

• Poor lighting
• Slippery floors
• Uneven floors
• Unsteady handrails
• Curled carpet edges
• Objects in pathways
• Unstable seating
• Throw rugs/mats/runners
• Electric or telephone wires
• Toilets that are wobbly or too low to the floor
• Unstable towel rack or sink
• Cleaning products that leave surfaces slippery
• Lack of:
  • Non-skid surfaces in shower or tub
  • Grab bars in shower or tub

Participate in a Fall Risk Assessment and Conditioning Program...Before the Fall.  Call (574) 523-3242.