It may be surprising for some to hear that a loss of balance is not a natural part of the aging process. According to Deb Morton, director of 21st Century Rehab at Greene County Medical Center, there is something else creating the problem. “As we get older, we often become less active and balance can be negatively impacted,” Morton explained. “It could also be a side-effect of a medication, an issue with muscles or joints or a medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease or neuropathy.” Whatever the underlying problem, 21st Century Rehab is here to offer help in getting to the root of it and on the road to better balance.
21st Century Rehab will host free fall risk assessments at workshops on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7 am and 9 am. These are come-and-go events and will be held at the Greene County Community Center. Those unable to attend the workshops are encouraged to contact 21st Century Rehab during September and October to schedule a time for a free assessment at Greene County Medical Center.
“The free fall risk assessment will include blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and grip strength tests as well as different stations,” Morton said. “For example, we will evaluate how you get in and out of a chair, how you walk and other activities which will create a balance score. We will work closely with the individual’s primary care provider to address health-related issues impacting balance. If the patient will benefit from physical therapy, there is no referral needed. Our goal is to develop a program that will not only help improve balance, but make you more confident while helping maintain independence.”
Morton added physical therapy gives the patient the tools they need to take home and incorporate into their daily lives for their long-term good health. “We are here to help before a minor issue becomes a major one,” said Morton. “Often, patients think if they wait it will just go away on its own, but this is generally not the case. The sooner you see us, the sooner we can begin nailing down what is really going on, the sooner we can begin treatments and the sooner the patient realizes a better quality of life.”
Persons who want more information can contact 21st Century Rehab at 515-386-4284.
