Article Originally Featured in Mature Living Magazine

Nursing Resources  is taking a proactive stand to reduce the risk of falling among its homebound clients by offering Solid Steps Prevention and Balance Pro­gram a balance therapy program that includes assessing a client’s home environment and implement­ing personal therapies specifically designed for clients to keep them safe. According to statistics pro­vided by Medicare, more than one third of people over the age of 65 suffer accidental falls resulting in personal injury and costly medical expenses. Because of the high cost of medical care associated with falls, Medicare encourages pro-ac­tive balance therapy programs.

 “Falls can be devastating to older people. As a home health provider, we are very aware and concerned that our clients do everything possible to prevent a devastating spill. Sometimes there is a pattern that happens among the elderly who experience a tragic fall that leads to a hospital stay and physical therapy. Unfortunately, when they return home, they may be susceptible to falling again sustaining more injury and the cycle continues. This balance therapy can provide direct intervention to our clients and help them avoid physical setbacks and pain, along with the additional medical expenses. It pro­vides additional peace of mind to our patients and to families who value keeping their loved ones safe at home,” explains Nursing Resources Administrator Darren Horrigan, RN.

 Nursing Resources uses a three-step process to evaluate balance risk which includes:

1) an in-depth assessment of a patient’s home;

2) an evaluation of the client’s physical condition and limitations;

3) consultation and development of an individualized plan between nurse case manager, physical thera­pist and client’s physician.

 “Solid Steps is a six-week pro­gram that has been very success­ful for clients utilizing home care services. We are able to determine with special equipment a patient’s posture quality which can affect their movement and balance. We also identify any physical condi­tions that may contribute to loss of balance including muscle weak­ness, fatigue, loss of sensation in the feet, vision or inner ear problems, etc. We are also able to offer fall prevention strategies and safety education that may be new information for clients who are fearful of falling,” explained Physi­cal Therapist Doug Munson.

 At 90, Kathleen “Kate” Partlow lives independently at a retire­ment community in Lambertville. She graduated from the Solid Steps program last summer and since that time has impressed other residents and staff with her enthusiasm for the program as well as her improved mobility. “The les­sons I learned through Solid Steps are working. My therapist taught me to stand up straight and to look ahead instead of down. She also taught me how to walk around things using my walker. I feel more confident and am walking around to visit neighbors living in adjacent apartments.”

 Exercise is a key part of the Solid Steps program. Mary Slee, age 80, lives in a Perrysburg retirement community. To help her reduce the risk of falling, her physical therapy assistant worked with Mrs. Slee on muscle strengthening exercises that includes sitting, standing, resis­tance, and range of motion.

 “I was already taking exercise classes, but they recommended I take this balance therapy program and I did. Everyone tells me I am walking and moving much better. I have more confidence in daily activities. I fell last year and don’t want to fall again. I want to remain independent. I definitely recom­mend this program to others,” Mrs. Slee said.

Medicare and most insurance providers will pay for balance therapy with an approved medical diagnosis.

 Nursing Resources works with the client’s physician to determine whether or not a fall-risk therapy evaluation might be appropriate. For additional information, contact Ann Worden, Nursing Resources Corpora­tion, at 419-861-3333, ext. 28.

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