The consequences of a fall can be dire. But how many of us consider the consequences and take preventative action? Fall prevention is a necessity for all of us. Join us September 18-24, 2022, for Falls Prevention Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable.
Fall Prevention and Alarming Statistics
Injuries in the home are on the rise in the United States, and the leading cause is falls. A fall in your home includes broken bones, fractured hips, and head injuries. Here are some alarming statistics:
Sixty percent of falls happen in the home. One out of five falls in the home cause a series injury including broken bones and head injuries—US CDC
- Each year, over 800,000 are hospitalized due to a fall in the home
- Falls are the most common cause of head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- 95% of hip fractures are caused by a fall
How to Prevent the Most Common At-Home Accident
Some need physical therapy after a strain from home yard work or home improvements. Others seek physical therapy after the start of an at-home fitness program. Today’s blog is about the most common at-home accident, the fall.
Falls that end in a physical injury can happen to anyone, at any age. While it is true that statistics show that many injury-causing falls happen to senior citizens, everyone should take steps to ensure that their home is safe.
The average fall cost in a home with injuries is $9,400 (AARP), and a serious fall can be lifestyle-changing. Preventing falls in your home only takes a few steps, and the cost is low. The Therapy Network can provide guidance in preventing the most common at-home accident.
Fall Prevention in Your Home
The Therapy Network, with six locations in the Hampton Roads area, provides guidance and tips to prevent falls and accidents in your home. Did you know you can visit TTN before you are injured in your home? You can. You do not need a physician’s referral to schedule an appointment.
The TTN professional staff will evaluate your mobility and provide tips to secure and modify your home. Here are just a few tips that you can use now:
- Organize your home and pick up clutter, especially on your staircase
- Put items into cabinets and closets that you can reach without a step stool
- Secure all rugs
- Install grab bars in bathrooms
- Ensure that your home is well-lit
- Hire a professional to complete tasks that include a ladder
- Have your eyes checked
- Know the side effects of your medications, including those that cause dizziness
- Evaluate your mobility and limitations
Taking the time to fall-proof your home provides insurance for your current lifestyle.
How Can The Therapy Network Help?
You can visit any of the TTN locations in Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Chesapeake, Virginia. And you do not have to wait until you experience a fall in your home. The Therapy Network believes that the best way to prevent a fall is to meet with you before an accident.
What can you expect during your Fall Prevention visit? You will be evaluated by a professional physical therapist, including:
- BioSway Testing
- Balance Testing
- Mobility Testing
- Vestibular Testing
- Medication Review
- Assistance in identifying issues in your home environment
- Assistance in scheduling an eye exam
You can read about The Therapy Network’s Fall Prevention Program on our website.
Appointments Available Today
In Virginia, you do not need a physician’s referral to visit a physical therapy professional. The Therapy Network has appointments available today at any of our six locations.
In 2022, The Therapy Network opened a new facility specializing in pain management and balance in Norfolk, Virginia. The new facility has dedicated fall prevention and balance center.
How can we help you today?