For many older adults, a bad fall can be a serious matter. According to the CDC, about 1 in 4 adults 65 and older will experience a serious fall each year. After your elder loved one suffers a fall, it is essential to provide them with recovery care. One way they can work to bounce back after a serious fall is to go to physical therapy. Your loved one should talk with their primary care physician or the doctor at the hospital after a fall before seeking out physical therapy.
What is Physical Therapy?
Generally, physical therapy is a healthcare practice that helps alleviate pain and enhance mobility through exercise, stretching, and other therapeutic interventions. It can help promote better movement and reduce further injury for the individual. For many older adults, much of physical therapy focuses on pain management and maintaining or restoring mobility.
Fall Recovery Focuses
When seeking out physical therapy after a fall, your loved one’s therapist will work with them in a variety of stretches and movements to help with recovery. Below, we will discuss some of the different focuses of fall recovery for elders.
Pain Management and Reduction
Pain can cause stiffness, which can make it harder for your loved one to get around. By working to reduce pain and swelling, your loved one will feel better as they continue to recover from their fall.
Restoring Mobility
Pain and swelling can reduce your loved one’s mobility. Stiffness and joint pain can make it harder for your loved one to move around easily. Increasing mobility can also be vital to reducing re-injury or future falls.
Improving Strength and Balance
Physical therapy isn’t just about recovering what you’ve lost from an injury. It can also be important in building muscles and physical skills. Regular stretching, movement, and training through physical exercise can help improve your loved one’s strength and balance.
Building Confidence Back
After a fall, many older adults can feel wary of another serious injury. The likelihood of a second fall is especially high within 6 months of the first. Physical therapy can not only reduce the likelihood of future injury, but it can also help your loved one feel more confident about their ability to prevent another fall in the future. Improving their physical capabilities through practice and training can make them feel more secure about their safety.
Physical Therapy in Tandem With In-Home Care
Preventing falls goes beyond physical training. In-home healthcare professionals can help reduce fall risks, assist in the event of emergencies, and make elder adults feel more secure in their homes. A home health aide can also help your loved one with in-home physical therapy movements. Their aide can also assist in getting your loved one to and from their PT appointments. Safe Harbor Healthcare Services provides trained and certified home health aides for older adults and disabled individuals.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
