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Falls Prevention Program
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Falls are one of the leading causes of co-morbidity in the elderly and in the disabled populations.
The goals of the Falls Prevention Program are to identify individuals who are at risk for falling, to identify the specific
risk factors that put each individual at risk, and to provide them with the services and education
necessary to reduce their risk of falling. Physical and occupational therapy will be directed at
increasing both mobility and safety, by specifically targeting the deficits that place the individual at the greatest risk for falling.
Risk factors for falls that may effectively be addressed through physical or occupational therapy treatment include the following:
- Impairments to the musculoskeletal or sensorimotor system from the effects of aging, arthritis, deconditioning, and
orthopedic trauma or surgery
- Peripheral or central nervous system pathology
- Decreased functional mobility status
- Impaired vision
- Vestibular dysfunction
- Cognitive impairments
- Problems with the home environment
Services Offered
Each patient referred to the Falls Prevention Program will be evaluated by a highly skilled
physical therapist who will assess all systems that contribute to an individual’s risk for falls. Screening tools to be used include the Berg Balance Scale, the Sensory
Organization Test, the Functional Reach Test, a modified Mini-Mental Status Screen, a Visual Screen, a Vestibular Screen, a home environment interview, and a musculoskeletal and
functional mobility evaluation. Referring physicians will be contacted with the results of the evaluation and recommendations for therapy services needed to address the deficits identified.
Possible referral recommendations may include the following:
- Physical therapy will be recommended to address the needs of those patients with musculoskeletal or sensorimotor impairments, vestibular
impairments, or functional mobility deficits. Physical therapy goals will be directed at reducing the individual’s fall
risk, minimizing the effects of these impairments, and increasing the individual’s capabilities for safe functional mobility.
- Occupational therapy will be recommended to address the needs of those individuals with visual or cognitive impairments or
deficits in activities of daily living or home management. Occupational therapy goals will be directed at reducing the
individual’s fall risk by minimizing the effects of these impairments and maximizing the individual’s safety with functional
mobility and daily activities.
Staff and Facilities
Regional Rehab is staffed by a team of experienced therapists.
Patients benefit from the wealth of expertise available at NRH, the Washington area’s only
freestanding, comprehensive medical rehabilitation hospital.
Financial Arrangement
Regional Rehab participates in Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare and is approved by most major insurance carriers and health maintenance
organizations. A case manager or office manager will discuss your insurance with you at the time of the referral.
Information and Referrals
To learn more about our services, to arrange a tour, or to make a referral, please call the site
nearest to you.
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