According to the CDC, fall injuries among older adults account for almost $50 billion in medical costs each year. Injuries from falls can lead to hospitalizations, short-term nursing home admissions, and even death.Risk factors for falls can include age over 65 years, previous falls, certain disease states, medications, and risk factors in the environment. Medical conditions associated with an increased fall risk: arthritis, heart disease, strokes, muscle weakness, poor balance or vision, Parkinson’s, dementia, depression, diabetes, infections, pain, seizures, and foot problems.

Fall risk screening and evaluations are essential to help decrease a person’s fall risk. At SpringBrook, our nursing staff coordinates with Aveanna and Aegis Home Health Services to provide these types of evaluations. You can receive physical & occupational therapy here at the facility.

Interventions to reduce fall risk may include:

• Optimize treatment of the medical conditions.
• Referral to physical therapy. Utilize an evidence-based exercise or fall prevention program.
• Involve occupational therapy. They can help to identify living hazards and offer solutions such as removing loose carpets/rugs, adding lights in dimly
• lit areas, installing and utilizing handrails and grab bars in the shower/tub area, and use of no-slip decals or rubber mats in these areas.
• Referral to an ophthalmologist for visual impairment issues.
• Provide education on shoe fit, traction, insoles, and heel height for foot issues. You may also consider a podiatrist visit which is offered here at Springbrook through Preferred Podiatry Services.