Finding Balance

As we get older, we have a higher likelihood of falling because of a decrease in our ability to balance. There are things that can be done to minimize this risk. Patient education is key. So is exercise and balance training. How important is this? The CDC says about 1,800 people living in nursing homes die every year because of a fall. Here’s some tips to avoid nursing home falls:

• keep floors free of debris
• do strength training through physical therapy
• provide gait training
• evaluate whether medication causes disorientation or dizziness
• provide medications that help increase bone density