BY EVELYN CHENG
Homebound seniors can gain greater confidence in living with a new fall prevention program by the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
Launched this past April, the Strong Foundations program uses simple, daily exercises to help seniors improve their balance and mobility.
“It’s a program that focuses on patients older than 65 who are at risk for falls,” said Joe Gallagher, supervisor of rehab and clinical education at VNSNY. “The result of a fall can be very serious to the point that they are life-changing.”
Seniors above age 65 have a 1 in 3 chance of falling, which risk increases to 1 in 2 after 85, according to the American Geriatric Association.
Strong Foundations helps participating seniors reduce falls by evaluating eight risk factors: medical or fall history, medications, vision, home environment, footwear, strength, ability to walk without assistance and balance. Impaired vision, dizzying side effects of medications, a cluttered home environment and destabilizing footwear can all contribute to a greater chance of falling.
After a nurse suggests appropriate lifestyle changes, a physical therapist will work with the patient on customized stretching, balancing and weight-shift activities two times a week until the patient can function independently, which usually takes two to three weeks.
Each patient is also given a guidebook that instructs them in the various exercises, which they can continue on their own. The therapist can also note the patient’s progress and personal directions in the handbook for future reference.
“It describes everything that you should do. It’s great,” said Jean Abjanich, 87, of Whitestone.
Working with therapist Barrie Berman, Abjanich went through the program in two weeks.
“It’s nothing that someone can’t do if they put their mind to it,” she said. “He was able to pick up on what you could do and what you could not do. When I got out of breath, we would sit down.”
Despite only 25 percent heart function and other physical ailments, Abjanich continues to do the stretching exercises for about 20 minutes each day. Now she can get in and out of cars more easily.
“I think it’s a useful program for people who are motivated,” said Berman, who has helped four patients through the program. “We try to tailor it to the individual patient.”
Medicare patients who do not have other major medical issues are eligible for the program. Seniors without Medicare can apply directly to VNSNY to see if they qualify.
Reach reporter Evelyn Cheng by phone at 718-260-4524.
