Physical Therapy now offers fall prevention program

Lou Thien (left) of Breese, a volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, works with Physical Therapist Kaci Cruthis (right) to set up the Biodex balance machine at the hospital HealthPlex. The Biodex is used to assess and improve balance in the hospital's new fall prevention program. Cruthis, who has been with the department since 2007, is the fall prevention program director.

Falling is one of the most frequent causes of serious injury and fear of falling is one of the greatest concerns of older adults.

A new fall prevention program at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese may provide some peace of mind. The program is offered by the Physical Therapy Department at the hospital HealthPlex along Jamestown Road.

According to research, approximately 30 percent of those over the age of 65 and 40 percent of those over 80 fall each year. Of those experiencing a hip fracture, 25 percent die within six months, 25 percent lose significant function and the remainder experience at least some decrease in mobility.

Physical Therapist Kaci Cruthis

Even though older adults are more at risk for falling, it is not a necessary consequence of aging.

“Falls can be prevented and this new program may help,” said Physical Therapist Kaci Cruthis who directs the program.

The program is for anyone with an increased risk of falling due to age, history, medication changes, muscle weakness, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis or other conditions, she said. A physician's referral is needed.

Participants are evaluated on balance, motion/flexibility, strength, gait and low blood pressure that can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and complete a self assessment of their general, mental and physical health, Cruthis said.

To assist with evaluation and treatment, the hospital recently installed a Biodex balance machine. One feature of the unit is an interactive screen so participants can view their progress like a video game.

Also considered are environmental factors such as low lighting, uneven flooring and rugs, and behaviors such as hurrying, climbing stairs without using a handrail or using a stepstool or ladder, Cruthis said.

If the participant is considered at risk for falling, an individualized program including exercises to improve strength, motion/flexibility, balance, coordination, walking speed, step length and cardiovascular fitness, is developed. Home exercises, education on reducing environmental and behavior risks and information on what to do in case of a fall are also provided.

Participants typically visit Physical Therapy 8 to 12 times over four weeks, Cruthis said. At the end of the four-week session, a report is provided to the patient's referring physician who may recommend the program be continued based on progress.

Most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover fall assessment and conditioning, Cruthis said. The hospital Business Office can answer insurance-related questions.

Cruthis is a graduate of the Kinesiology program at the University of Illinois and holds a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She joined the hospital staff in 2007.

For more information, contact the department at 526-5436 or your family physician.