If falling is a risk in a home for a patient, then it needs to be addressed.
Universal Home Care professionals are seasoned experts when it comes to evaluating the risks in patient homes and advising them on ways to reduce the risk of falling in a household. They do this by having a physical therapist evaluate and train the patient in proper walking techniques also called gait training, using exercise to strengthen muscles and increase endurance, and educating the patient on a home exercise program (HEP) also help with physical therapy, training and caregiver education on ways to reduce falls at all times.
First, if physical hazards exist in the home, the therapists at Universal Home Care might recommend changes to ensure that those hazards are removed. Loose carpeting or slippery floors are extreme hazards for those that are at risk of falling. Low lying furniture that has protruding corners or that has loose fabric that could be tripped on should also be addressed.
Stairs are always a place where fall precautions should be taken. In some rare cases, a mobility lift will be recommended on staircases but far more likely the installation of sturdy railings should at least be implemented.
Another area in the house that will be of interest to the therapist making a home evaluation for preventing falls is the bathroom. Inside a bathroom, the floor and the shower or tub base can both be extremely slippery when wet, which happens on a regular basis. The installation of railings and safety mats can help ensure that people have the traction and support that they need to prevent falling.
Physical therapy is an important modality precaution to take against falling. Physical therapy that improves the strength of the patient will help them reduce the risk of falling, but will also make them more resistant to injury if they should happen to fall. Stability and balance training are often part of a fall prevention program. This helps a patient mitigate damage or injury should they slip, trip or fall in their current physical condition.
