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We all understand the unprecedented times we are in and no doubt are all experiencing uncertain circumstances. During this COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors are continuing to experience life-altering falls which place them in a scary hospital environment. When researching fall prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, this source from the "Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians" organization brought great insight as to what we can do to care for our seniors during this time and remain vigilant in the future on various different ways to care for our elderly population. https://www.copcp.com/Campaigns/Details/1364-preventing-falls-during-the-covid-19-pan

A great article in Podiatry Today on the importance of Podiatrists in preventing falls in seniors. "More than one risk factor increases the risk of falling. With no risk factors, the risk of falling is 8 percent and grows to 78 percent with four risk factors.3 More alarming is the finding that the risk of falling quadruples for a patient within two weeks of discharge from the hospital." Review the remainder of the article here! https://www.podiatrytoday.com/preventing-falls-elderly-where-dpms-can-have-impact

The CDC is becomming an everyday resource for citizens across the United States. However, as many do not know, the CDC has initiated a front-line program to address the rising fall epidemic facing our seniors today called STEADI. Within this program, the CDC identifies the pharmacist as an integral part of the clinical fall prevention team! By using a pharmacist's expertise, certain medications can be reconciled as well as with wellness programs introduced to reduce a person's overall risk of falls and encourage maximum functional independence. One of our valued partners, WellTrackOne, utilizes their clinical pharmacists to assist the physician in this vital service alongside the Safe Balance program creating an optimal and robust service to maximize the well being of patients they encounter! To learn more about the CDC's incorporation of pharmacists in the clinic, check out this resource here: https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/stories/toolkit.html To learn more about WellTrackOne, visit their website here: https://www.welltrackone.co/ #pharmacists #welltrackone #fallprevention #cdc #steadi #medication

Finding the correct measure of balance is critical when examining validated outcomes. This feature in "Podiatry Today" asks that very question. While many balance measurement technologies utilize force plate systems, the question remains; does the measurement of "sway" really detect balance impairments? As literature and research overwhelmingly identifies, balance measures are only a small yet important factor in measuring fall risk. Many of these technologies do not measure other critical areas, such as gait, vision, cognition, home environment, perceived functional ability, depression, urinary incontinence, pain and more! Make sure when choosing a "Fall Risk" technology or program, you are utilizing a valid, reliable and comprehensive system that assesses ALL areas of critical fall risk. https://www.podiatrytoday.com/blogged/sway-true-measure-balance-following-peripheral-nerve-decompression #fallprevention #podiatrytoday #balance #forceplates #bestpractice #MIPS

A recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the importance of not only assessing balance and strength, but also assessing numerous other systems that are easily overlooked as it relates to heightened fall risk (such as medication and urinary incontinence). ABSTRACT "Patients should be asked annually about falls in the past year to identify those at high risk for future falls. The risk of falling can be reduced by exercise programs focused on balance and strength training and, among persons at high risk, by assessing a standard set of risk factors for falls and addressing modifiable ones." We HIGHLY encourage you to check out this article as it reinforces the importance of not only assessing for fall risk, but also assessing the important areas of risk! #safebalance #fallprevention #multifactorialfallsriskassessment https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1903252

See how the Timed Up and Go -or- TUG is correctly performed and its utilization in the Safe Balance fall prevention program.

A great article on the recent changes in PDGM by Home Healthcare News https://homehealthcarenews.com/2020/01/calculating-the-cost-of-pdgm-a-case-study-with-phoenix-home-care/

The following statistics highlight the importance of preventing falls by taking deliberate precautions. Age related losses in muscle strength, flexibility, or balance can be addressed through balance reactions, strength assessments, or rehabilitation therapy. When an elderly person falls, their hospital stays are almost twice as long as those elderly patients who are admitted for any other reason. The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men. Annually, falls are reported by one-third of all people over the age of 65. Two-thirds of those who fall will do so again within six months. Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and older. Approximately 9,500 deaths in older Americans are associated with falls each year. More than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or over. Among people aged 65 to 69, One out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture. That number increases to one out of every 10 for those aged 85 and older. One-fourth of seniors who fracture a hip from a fall will die within six months of the injury. The most profound effect of falling is the loss of functioning associated with independent living. The Safe Balance program was created to address this rising epidemic amongst falls in seniors. Using a proprietary service model, exclusively licensed evidence-based technology, skilled clinicians, and one-on-one consultation, Safe Balance enhances your fall prevention and risk management in a way that has yet to be addressed in typical stand-alone models!

The Safe Balance program is unparalleled when it comes to overall quality, objectivity, and impact on the safety/wellness of residents. By offsetting your risk for falls, you can expect to enjoy a greater level or independence, safety and participation in activities as you enjoy your retirement.

Have family members or friends said they are worried you may fall? Do you have increased pain in your back, knees, hips or feet that make it difficult to walk? Have you become more fearful going upstairs or downstairs? Has it become more difficult when reaching for objects around the house? Have you experienced a decrease in vision? Have you recently experienced a fear of falling even though you’ve never fallen? Do you have a medical diagnosis including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or general weakness? Have you recently fallen? If you answered YES to ANY of the above questions, ask your wellness director about our simple balance testing program to reduce your risk of catastrophic injury? Statistics show that people aged 65+ years have a 1 in 3 chance to experience a fall each year. The cost of falls is debilitating both physically and financially and often the elderly require the services of a more skilled provider once injury occurs. By offsetting this risk, your residents will enjoy a longer more functional experience in your facility.

By nature, the aging community is at an increased risk for falls. Your facility can stand out from the crowd by addressing this concern as part of your residency curriculum and offer assistance to those who are identified as a potential risk fall.