REHAB SERVICES Q: : My mom recently had a fall. Is there a way to prevent her from falling again and getting seriously injured? Haley Mertens, DPT A: There are multiple factors that can lead to a fall. A few examples are decreased balance or strength, a vestibular disorder such as vertigo, decreased vision, or tripping hazards within a home. If your mom's fall was caused by decreased balance or strength, she may benefit from using an assistive device such as a walker, cane, or walking sticks. An assistive device creates a larger base of support which can provide more stability while walking. A physical therapist can assess strength and balance, recommend which assistive device would be the most appropriate, and provide specific treatment to decrease her risk of another fall. A few strategies we assess regarding balance are the hip strategy, ankle strategy, and step strategy. Weakness in your mom's hips or ankles may be a factor that caused her to fall. At Sanford, we also have therapists that can complete a home assessment and give recommendations to create a safer home environment such as decreasing rugs use and adding night lights. A fall can cause detrimental effects such as a fracture which can negatively affect an individual's quality of life. If you or someone you know recently had a fall or have noticed a decrease in balance or strength, a physical therapist here at Sanford health can do an evaluation to prevent additional falls. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD"| 1300 Anne Street NW TM Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: : My mom recently had a fall. Is there a way to prevent her from falling again and getting seriously injured? Haley Mertens, DPT A: There are multiple factors that can lead to a fall. A few examples are decreased balance or strength, a vestibular disorder such as vertigo, decreased vision, or tripping hazards within a home. If your mom's fall was caused by decreased balance or strength, she may benefit from using an assistive device such as a walker, cane, or walking sticks. An assistive device creates a larger base of support which can provide more stability while walking. A physical therapist can assess strength and balance, recommend which assistive device would be the most appropriate, and provide specific treatment to decrease her risk of another fall. A few strategies we assess regarding balance are the hip strategy, ankle strategy, and step strategy. Weakness in your mom's hips or ankles may be a factor that caused her to fall. At Sanford, we also have therapists that can complete a home assessment and give recommendations to create a safer home environment such as decreasing rugs use and adding night lights. A fall can cause detrimental effects such as a fracture which can negatively affect an individual's quality of life. If you or someone you know recently had a fall or have noticed a decrease in balance or strength, a physical therapist here at Sanford health can do an evaluation to prevent additional falls. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD"| 1300 Anne Street NW TM Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji