There is a significant need for seniors and “not so seniors” to be able to continue living independently for as long as they can, without the fear of falling and all that that represents. Falls are the main reason why older people lose their independence.
Let’s look at the facts: 30-60 % of community-dwelling (non-institutionalized) older adults fall each year. Falls are the 2nd leading cause of death in the US- 75% of these deaths due to falls is by older adults. Other studies have shown that 5-10 % of falls result in serious injuries such as fractures (i.e. femoral neck), head trauma and joint dislocation, all requiring hospitalization. The costs of falls also have a profound effect on the community: Falls Impact on the lives of the caregivers of older adults as well as the patient themselves w/re: quality of life and health care costs. Falls that do not result in hospitalization, creates “fear” of falling, which is a major factor in quality of life. Fear of falling leads to inactivity and loss of confidence thereby increasing risk of falls
Our Fall Prevention and Fitness program is designed to help keep you strong, active and independent. Working with experienced teachers and staff members who understand the various components that may lead to a higher risk of falling, you will be guided, every step of the way, to help improve those factors that put you at risk. There are 4 major factors that researchers point out that need to be addressed in helping to prevent falls – they are summed up by the acronym MIEV
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Medications- prescribed medicines that may, singly or combined, alter your gait and balance
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Intrinsic factors- muscle weakness, gait and balance disorders
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Extrinsic factors- lose rugs in the home, poor lighting, clutter
The Center for Balance, Gait and Fall Prevention, a division of Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy, is an outgrowth of our partnership with and concern for our community at large.
Through our Fall Risk Assessment tools, which includes self-reported questionnaires, gait analysis (how you actually walk) using state of the art equipment, and video capture of your movement, we can help recommend the type of program that is most suited for your needs. As you go through our program, unlike any other program in the county, we will periodically re-test you to see that progress is being made, or not!
Our classes run for 12 weeks, two times weekly, and are always open to newcomers, where you will participate in a program designed to improve your strength (upper body, lower body and core), balance and movement, to keep you strong, active and independent. And since we are a Community Based health minded institution, the programs are offered free of charge.
Center for Balance, Gait & Fall Prevention
HVCPA Gait Analysis Lab
40 Jon Barrett Road; Patterson, NY 12563
Please Contact: Marc Kaplan, DC, CCSP, Program Director 845/ 878-9078
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