Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors. They often result in broken bones and head injuries, posing a significant health risk. Fortunately, our home health team can help prevent falls and their resulting injuries. Aveanna's comprehensive approach to home health fall prevention addresses multiple aspects of a patient's health and environment.
Anti-fall Techniques
Some falls are unavoidable. But there are strategies that can reduce their impact when they do happen. We teach patients who are capable how to fall safely and how to stop a fall by reacting appropriately.
Muscle Strengthening
Studies have shown the effectiveness of strength training exercises for preventing falls in seniors. We can help identify specific exercises to increase muscle strength, offering patients a combination of open and closed-chain functional exercises.
Flexibility
In addition to increasing muscle strength, increasing flexibility plays an important role in preventing falls. Based on the patient's evaluation, we assign appropriate exercises to increase range of motion and reduce fall risk.
Personally Designed Home Program
At Aveanna Home Health, we're dedicated to meeting our patients where they are. We set patients up for long-term success by assigning exercise that is individually tailored to their specific needs.
Balance Strategies
We all know balance is key to staying upright. But you might be surprised by just how many different factors affect balance. Our team teaches strategies that improve balance by changing habits, foot positions, and methods that increase balance outside of exercises.
Vestibular/Balance Training
We offer a specific exercise-based treatment program that promotes stability through vestibular adaptation and substitution. This program uses a variety of activities that challenge the balance system.
Durable Medical Equipment and Assistive Devices
Exercise and balance training aren't always enough to prevent falls. The good news? Assistive devices are available that can be instrumental to maintaining health and independence. We can help identify and direct patients to devices that improve balance, such as ambulatory equipment, braces, grab bars, and more.
Home/Environment
Because we are caring for our patients in their homes, we have a unique advantage in addressing environmental fall hazards. We discuss and recommend corrections and modifications that can be made to the patient's environment to prevent falls at home.
Gait Training
Identifying and correcting gait abnormalities can be life changing. Gait training can be paired with training and instruction on assistive devices, if needed. Addressing issues in gait can stop falls before they happen.
Interested in learning more about how Aveanna Home Health can help prevent falls and increase independence for seniors? Contact us today!