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    December 4, 2020
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REHAB SERVICES Q: I have had several close falls over the past month tripping over objects in my home. Is there anything physical therapy can do to help with this? A: One in four adults age 65 or older fall each year, less than half of them talk to their doctor about it. One out of every five falls result in a serious injury such as hip fracture or traumatic brain injury. There are many factors which contribute to increasing fall risk as we age such as poor balance, medication side effects, visual changes, and weakness. However one area that is often over looked is home safety. A physical therapist can come to your home to do a home safety and fall risk assessment. They can determine what areas are fall hazards or recommend any necessary safety equipment. Some suggestions a physical therapist might make include removing throw rugs, clearing pathways, moving furniture, and installing grab bars/hand rails. If your fall risk is determined to be high, physical therapy can provide strengthening and balance programs to address this. If you have further questions regarding physical therapy and home safety you can contact any physical therapist at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center or speak to your primary doctor about home care PT referral. Erik Jensen, DPT Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services D"| 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD TM Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: I have had several close falls over the past month tripping over objects in my home. Is there anything physical therapy can do to help with this? A: One in four adults age 65 or older fall each year, less than half of them talk to their doctor about it. One out of every five falls result in a serious injury such as hip fracture or traumatic brain injury. There are many factors which contribute to increasing fall risk as we age such as poor balance, medication side effects, visual changes, and weakness. However one area that is often over looked is home safety. A physical therapist can come to your home to do a home safety and fall risk assessment. They can determine what areas are fall hazards or recommend any necessary safety equipment. Some suggestions a physical therapist might make include removing throw rugs, clearing pathways, moving furniture, and installing grab bars/hand rails. If your fall risk is determined to be high, physical therapy can provide strengthening and balance programs to address this. If you have further questions regarding physical therapy and home safety you can contact any physical therapist at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center or speak to your primary doctor about home care PT referral. Erik Jensen, DPT Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services D"| 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD TM Bemidji