How Our Safe Balance Program Prevents Serious Injuries Caused by Falling
Young doctor giving helping hands for elderly woman
Falling is one of the last things you want to happen when you get older. If you fall, you can experience a serious injury such as a broken wrist, arm, or ankle.
You might suffer a hip fracture. You could even end up with a brain injury, leading to permanent and irreparable damage.
And, you could even lose your life. About 32,000 Americans each year die from complications originally caused by a fall, according to the CDC.
Even if you don’t suffer any serious injury, you may simply live in fear of falling again. And like many who fall, you may limit your normal activity. You’ll feel isolated. But that will actually make you physically weaker, which increases your risk of falling even more.
Our Safe Balance Program Evaluates Your Risk of Falling and Helps You Lead an Active, Enjoyable Life
While falls do happen more as people age, they’re actually not a normal part of aging. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that simply because you’re older, falling is a risk you have to live with.
The truth is that nearly all falls can be prevented.
Our “Safe Balance Program” involves you taking a short and simple series of tests when you visit. These tests identify your own unique risks that could cause you to fall. Then, together with our staff, you develop a plan that greatly reduces your risk of falling and the potentially life-threatening damage that results.
The tests take just a few quick minutes. They’re also based on the latest research from the CDC, so you know you can trust their effectiveness. You simply fill out a questionnaire or go through a quick physical assessment. And these tests can be done at your regular appointment.
What Kinds of Solutions May Be Recommended?
After you go through your assessment, you’ll end up with a plan designed specifically for you to minimize your chances of falling.
Possible solutions that may make sense for you include:
- An exercise program to keep you in good physical shape so you stay balanced
- Changes in medications, which could be affecting your balance
- Getting your vision checked
- Using a walker or cane
- Checking for ear disorders which could affect your balance
- Changing your footwear
- Keeping your home well-lit
- Adding grab bars at your home, or organizing clutter
That’s not a complete list. There’s many other solutions too.
Most of the changes that help you avoid falls are fairly simple to implement. You don’t have to live in fear of a future time when you might fall and experience a serious injury.
And North Texas Foot & Ankle is here to help you every step of the way!
