Fall Prevention

Stay Independent: Avoid Fall Injuries

Falls can happen to anyone, but they are especially dangerous for older adults. According to the CDC, more than one in four seniors experience a fall each year, with thousands resulting in serious injury or even death.

At Holsman Wellness, we are committed to helping seniors stay strong, independent, and safe. Join us this September for Falls Prevention Month and take proactive steps to reduce fall risks all year round with our evidence-based Fall Prevention Program.

Our Program Focuses On:

Balance & Strength Training – Improve coordination and stability

Home Safety Assessments – Identify and fix fall hazards

Assistive Devices & Training – Learn how to use mobility aids safely

Education for Seniors & Caregivers – Practical tips to prevent falls.

Falls Prevention, Gait and Balance Training

Holsman Falls Prevention and Balance training, uses evidence-based protocol combined with an individualized plan of care in a coordinated multi-disciplinary approach to prevent falls, fall related injuries and complications. Not only that HolsStep Holsman falls prevention and balance program unique in many respects, it also combines the safety of a well controlled clinic environment with a Physical Therapist using a harness system thereby allowing the patient to be challenged to their limits of stability up to the point of falling without being hurt while significantly increasing their confidence and efficacy; an evidence-based home program; and occupational therapy home assessment and intervention. Patients who are unable to drive or are without transportation can avail of our complimentary clinic transportation services to and from their home.

Request an Appointment

What is HolStep™ and No Fall Protocol® ?

HolStep™ is Physical Therapy Gait and Balance Training  with an overhead harness system.
 
Among the highlights of the HolStep™ program:
 
  • Uses Solostep Harness System and or Lite Gait for Balance and Gait Training
  • Uses the CDCs STEADI algorithm
  • Consultation and Referral to their Primary Physician for Evaluation and management as well as Medication reconciliation.
  • Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment for Gait and Balance impairment
  • Consultation and Referral to a Podiatrist for Foot and Ankle Related problems
  • Home Assessment and Intervention by a licensed Occupational Therapist for ADL and safety impairment.
  • Otago Exercise Program implementation by Certified PT and OT
  • Vision referral to Opthalmology or Optometrist when needed
  • Vestibular rehabilitation
 
No Fall Protocol®
 
is an Individualized Twelve week intensive program at Holsman Physical Therapy, directed and supervised by a licensed Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist. It significantly helps to prevent falls, fall injuries, fractures, improves confidence, keep you remain active and most importantly, remain safe at home.

Fall Prevention Q&A

Fall prevention strategies help people with an increased risk of falling to avoid falls. Anyone over 65 could benefit from a fall-prevention assessment, but those more at risk might benefit from an earlier evaluation.

Your risk of falling is higher if you have a condition that affects your vision, balance, muscle strength, and/or coordination. Movement disorders and other conditions that increase your fall risk include:

  • Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
  • Arthritis
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Foot disorders
  • Excess body weight
  • Frailty
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage or dysfunction)
  • Chronic pain

Certain medications may increase your fall risk if they disrupt your balance or make you dizzy. Hazards in your home, like clutter, loose cables, poor lighting, and a lack of grab rails in the bathroom, increase the likelihood of falls.

Falls are distressing and frightening and could cause severe injuries. This is especially so in older people with osteoporosis — a disease that weakens your bones so they snap or crumble easily.

Injuries like hip, arm, and other fractures are common in older patients after a fall. These disabling, painful injuries can severely limit mobility and often shorten life expectancy. Fear of falling can prevent people from doing activities they enjoy or remaining independent.

Holsman Physical Therapy’s fall prevention programs help you avoid these outcomes and remain confident and active.

The Holsman Physical Therapy team’s No Fall Protocol® is a tailored 12-week intensive program directed and supervised by licensed physical and occupational therapists. The program uses the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents and Injuries (STEADI) algorithm for fall risk screening, assessment, and intervention.

Depending on your fall risk factors, the No Fall Protocol may include:

  • Physical therapy evaluation
  • Gait and balance impairment treatment
  • HolStep™ gait and balance overhead harness system training
  • Podiatrist referral for foot and ankle problems
  • Eye doctor referral for vision problems
  • Activities of daily living (ADL) and home safety assessment/intervention
  • Otago fall prevention exercise program
  • Vestibular rehabilitation for balance issues

The Holsman Physical Therapy team works with your primary care provider for fall evaluation, treatment, and medication management.

The No Fall Protocol significantly reduces falls, improves confidence, helps you remain active, and keeps you safe at home. Call Holsman Physical Therapy to arrange a fall prevention assessment or book an appointment online today. 

Many patients seek occupational therapy to relearn the skills they need to care for themselves or keep working. 

For example, some people may need to regain fine muscle coordination to button a shirt or hold a pencil. Others want to improve specific skills required for their job or to return to competitive sports.

Occupational therapy can help you age safely at home, enhance memory and concentration, and improve coordination, balance, and strength.

Whatever your goal, your caring therapist uses many proven exercises and techniques, teaching skills one step at a time until you master them again.

As part of their occupational therapy services, the Holsman Physical Therapy team may:

  • Teach how to use adaptive devices
  • Teach alternative techniques to perform daily tasks
  • Suggest modifications to improve home safety
  • Perform cognitive and perceptual retraining
  • Create a comprehensive wellness program
  • Perform a wheelchair assessment

Don’t wait until a fall happens! Call 1-855-465-7626 or book an appointment online to learn more about staying safe and independent