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Fall Prevention
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Between 35 and 40% of adults 65 years old or older fall annually, and falls are the leading cause of accidental injury in the home. At UAMS, we offer a program through our University Rehabilitation Department to help prevent senior adults from falling.
The Rehabilitation Department at the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging offers physical and occupational therapy, which provides a variety of services in fall prevention. Following your initial intervention by the doctor, he/she might refer you to rehabilitation for a number of interventions to help you improve your safety and confidence. Fall risk factors are identified and a treatment plan is implemented to address any areas of concern.
Your intervention might include a home safety assessment to help you identify potential hazards that might contribute to falls. Recommendations will be provided to improve the safety of your home or apartment such as:
- Bathroom equipment
- Addition or modification of lighting
- Handrails
- Quick access to an exit in an emergency
The intervention could also include assessment and identification of musculoskeletal impairments, vestibular disorders or functional limitations which affect your balance, daily activities and gait. Some of these recommendations could consist of:
- Exercise program
- Modifications to the way you perform a daily task
- Mobility aids or equipment
If you have had a problem with falling in the past or feel limited in your activities due to fear of falling, we will try to find the reason. If our staff discovers that the problem is not related to your home environment or a problem with strength, range of motion or endurance, we can refer you to the correct specialist.
We can typically schedule the home safety evaluation and/or any other necessary assessments within two weeks. Your home evaluation will take approximately one hour. Our staff travels to homes in central Arkansas, within a 30-mile radius of UAMS.
After our visit, you and your family are welcome to contact our trained staff to answer any additional questions you may have.
Please contact us for more information on falls prevention services at UAMS. Your doctor can call 501-526-5770 to refer you to the program.
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