Fall Prevention/Geriatric Conditioning

OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has begun a program to help older adults and others reduce the risk of falling.

Falling is the leading cause of injury and death for those over age 65. OSF physical therapists Len Mineau and Jack Mortenson are coordinating the fall prevention program. Both have home health care experience, as well, which helped them become familiar with the many hazards facing a person at risk of falling.

To enter the program, people with concerns about falling or potential for falls discuss it with their medical care provider and from there are referred to the new rehab program. At that point an evaluation is done, which examines strength, flexibility, balance and the person's daily living activities.

The tests are also useful as an incentive, because the patient can read the score results and later compare those to test results after completing the program. A number of patients before going though the program had stopped walking or going out into the community because they had a fear of falling. One such patient had stopped walking after developing muscle tightness. After an exercise program and training to learn safe techniques for transfer, he is now walking three miles a day.

Tailoring to Your Needs

Since every case is unique, most often the fall prevention program is done at the hospital. For those people unable to go to the hospital on a regular basis, a home program could be developed and often family members or caregivers can be trained to assist.

Working with a patient's family is also standard practice at OSF St. Francis Rehabilitation Services.  The program might include recommending use of a device such as a cane or walker.

In addition to evaluating a person's skeletal and muscular system, visual and vestibular (inner ear) testing is also done. A cognitive ability test is also another resource.

Fall Prevention Tips

For more information on how to help prevent falls in your home, please download our fall prevention tip sheet.