Ortho MD & PCPs Role for Senior Fall Prevention

Each year, approximately 30% to 40% of people aged 65 years and older who live in the community fall.

Primary care providers (PCPs) have a crucial role in helping patients understand the important factors causing falls. This also. . . . Read More!

Sunset years

Using STEADI, Sam the PT, was asking Len about his fall which caused his hip fracture. It was daytime and he was hurrying to the bathroom because of prostate issues. He was wearing socks and not using his walker. Sam did the TUG, Timed up and Go balance test multiple ways. This included socks vs supportive shoes, walker and no walker. Lo and behold- Len was less of a fall risk wearing shoes and using his walker! 
 
Len agreed with Occupational therapist Sarah’s recommendation to use the ”spill proof” urinal from his recliner. He could then transport it to the bathroom in the bag attached to his walker. 
   
See link for CDC STEADI along with effective senior fall prevention handouts. http://bit.ly/2Y5cqt6
 

STEADI coordinates well with the goals of value-based. . . . Read More!

L-ACL

87-year-old Ellen was discharging home and was alone for short periods of time.  Mary, the OT, was concerned if she was going to be safe using the stove top. A cognitive screening called the Allen Cognitive Level Scale was starting to be used by the Occupational Therapy staff.  She had just been trained to do the L-ACL. It was 3 different leather. . . . Read More!

Fall Prevention—Which footwear is best?

I hope you chose the black shoes with custom elastic laces! Many times seniors have edema in their feet and with the different length laces, occupational therapy makes it an easy slip-on shoe using a long shoe horn. A shoe repair shop permanently sews the “tongue” in a proximal “top” corner! I have used the below 2-page shoe test handout successfully for 15 years. . . . . Read More!

Senior Fall Prevention — Tai Chi and Otago!

Here is a summary of the Son et al research study.

Methods: A randomized trial in which subjects were assigned to 1 of 2 groups:  the Tai Chi (TC) group (n =21; age, 72.8) which participated in a modified Sun-style TC exercise program; Otago group (n =24; age, 71.5) which participated in the Otago exercise program. . . . Read More!

Suzy Begay

Suzy Begay was worried. She had 2 falls this past week getting off the toilet and walking back to her room. What was she going to do?

Thankfully, the OT shared previous successes using the above safety sign. “I know I need to do better but I’m tired of waiting for help walking”. Motivational interviewing and stories of medical “bone fractures” increased her safety awareness. Suzy knew she was impulsive. She got excited when she got to pick out the colors for her wall sign. Being Native American, those colors had cultural significance to her Navajo tribe. She also wanted to highlight in yellow. . . . Read More!

Who is your point guard for senior fall prevention?

More than 30% of adults age 65 years and older in the United States fall annually. Who is your point guard for senior fall prevention? I propose it is the emergency department, based on the below research link. They can get the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death & Injuries) protocol started! It has proven itself for fall prevention with evidenced based research, is fun and easy to do! I’ve used it for 15 years and had great results when used with motivational interviewing. . . . Read More!

Wall Sign and the Rehab Team

George was greatly troubled. He had fallen 4 times in the first three days at Happy Valley Transitional Care! He so wanted to return home with his beloved wife Glenda and delightfully playful and affectionate yellow lab, Annie. . . . Read More!

SLAM DUNK! Go Blazers! Go STEADI!

Grandpa Joe threw a baseball across a sunny field to his grandson who’s also holding a pineapple popsicle that’s started dripping down his arm. He wakes up from his dream in bed. He’s in the hospital with a broken hip. How did this happen?

Here is how I implemented STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death and Injury Protocol).  Joe fell and fractured his hip, and had subsequent total hip arthroplasty surgery. Using motivational interviewing, empathy and engaging him in being “Sherlock Holmes” with me, we started the process.  He was sitting in his recliner and had a sudden urge to urinate. He got up and. . . . Read More!