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Elderly Falls

A fall can be not only dangerous, but deadly for the elderly.

Charlie Jones, Rehab South says "It's chronic and its becoming epidemic now and its just going to get worse."

Recent statistics show more than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, 75 percent of emergency room visits for those over 75 are for falls, and falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths for those over 65.

Pauline Parrott says "I was having a lot of trouble with my balance and I had heard about Charlie and I decided this was the place for me."

Charlie Jones the owner of Rehab South is also a physical therapist. He works with patients like Pauline to improve her balance and mobility.

Charlie Jones says "The physical therapist is observing a series of movements and a series of functional tests and that seems to work pretty well because most people identified with that."

Charlie says therapists use very low tech and mid range testing to address the elements of balance and gait.

Charlie Jones says "We're looking at physical therapy to return people to their highest level of function and to prevent injury."

While we can't change the aging process, Charlie says many of the health problems that increase the chance of falling are known and treatable.

From medication, to unsafe footwear to tripping hazards in the home, or simply staying as active as possible.

 Charlie Jones says "Those individuals who do workout on a regular basis with weights have far fewer incidents of falls, much better coordination and much better general health."

 Pauline Parrott says "My equilibrium has improved and I'm getting stronger with my hand and that was really a problem for a while, but my strength training is paying off."

Making things a lot more balanced.