Senior Fall Prevention Tips from Local In-Home Physical Therapists in Luzerne County

At Achieva Rehabilitation, we know that the biggest threat to an older adult's independence isn't age itself—it's a fall. For our neighbors across Luzerne County, we are committed to helping you Move Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by providing proactive, specialized care right where you live.

A loss of balance is not a natural part of aging, but delaying action can have devastating consequences.

The High Cost of Waiting: Why You Can't Delay Balance Work

When you feel unsteady or fear falling, it’s natural to limit your activity. However, this is a dangerous cycle: less activity leads to less strength, which increases your risk of falling. This fear and subsequent weakness lead to serious statistics you need to know:

• Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (65+).

• One in four Americans age 65 and older falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor Facts About Falls | Older Adult Fall Prevention - CDC.

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

• Falls can cause life-altering injuries, including hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In fact, the total annual healthcare cost of non-fatal older adult falls is estimated to be over $80 billion per year Get the Facts on Falls Prevention - National Council on Aging.

The most critical consequence of delaying treatment? Increased risk of losing independence and the chance of going to a nursing home—something we are relentless about helping you avoid.

Expert Fall Prevention Tips from Your Local In-Home PT

Our physical therapists specialize in Falls and Balance Physical Therapy and bring tailored, one-on-one sessions to your Luzerne County home. Since your home is your clinic, the tips we give you are immediately relevant to your life.

1. Focus on Multifaceted Movement

Balance isn't just one thing; it's a combination of muscle strength, vision, and inner ear function. Our therapists focus on targeted exercises:

• Strength Training: Focus on the muscles in your legs and core. We use simple tools and your own body weight to practice sit-to-stand exercises and other movements critical for everyday stability Fall Prevention: Balance and Strength Exercises for Older Adults | Johns Hopkins Medicine.

• Balance Training: We guide you through challenges like standing on one foot or heel-to-toe walking while closely supervising to prevent a fall. These exercises help your brain rewire itself to balance better.

• Gait Training: Your therapist will analyze and correct your walking pattern (gait) to ensure safer, more efficient movement, even while performing dual tasks like walking and carrying an item Physical Therapy Guide to Falls - Choose PT.

2. Assess and Modify Your Home Environment

Most falls happen where you live. Our therapists provide a comprehensive safety assessment right in your home, making sure:

• Trip Hazards are Removed: We help you identify and secure loose rugs with non-slip tape or remove them entirely.

• Lighting is Adequate: We ensure night lights are placed in bathrooms and hallways, and lamps are within easy reach of your bed.

• Safety Devices are Used: We can recommend and help you practice using devices like grab bars in the shower or next to the toilet Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls - Mayo Clinic.

3. Coordinate with Your Healthcare Team

We take a holistic approach to your well-being:

• Medication Review: We encourage you to regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Certain drugs can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which dramatically increases fall risk.

• Check Your Vision: Poor vision, especially bi-focal or tri-focal lenses used while looking down at steps, can create depth-perception issues. We often recommend discussing a single-focal lens for improved safety while walking.

At Achieva Rehabilitation, we are passionate about providing the expertise and confidence you need to get back to doing the things you love—whether it’s walking in the park or playing with your grandchildren.

You can do it! We can help!

Ready to start your journey toward better balance and confidence?

Text or Call: 1-888-929-7677 Visit Our Website: achievarehab.com