Specialized Falls Prevention at Home
Comprehensive Strategy to Reduce Risk and Maximize Safety.
Proactive Steps for Lasting Independence
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, often leading to serious injuries, loss of independence, and hospitalizations. HCR Home Care’s Falls Prevention Program provides a comprehensive, proactive strategy to identify, reduce, and manage the many factors that contribute to fall risk. By focusing on both the patient’s physical health and the safety of their home environment, we empower seniors to move with greater confidence and security.
Our dedicated, multidisciplinary team delivers expert falls prevention at home, giving you and your family peace of mind. We utilize detailed home safety assessment protocols alongside personalized therapeutic interventions to significantly reduce fall risk and promote sustained functional mobility.
Why Falls Occur and Who is at High Risk
Falls are rarely due to a single cause; they are typically the result of an interaction between intrinsic factors (related to the body) and extrinsic factors (related to the environment). Our program targets both.
Individuals who benefit most from our program include:
Seniors with a History of Falls:
-
Those who have experienced one or more falls in the last year are at significantly higher risk for subsequent incidents.
-
Patients with Mobility Impairments: Individuals with muscle weakness, gait unsteadiness, or difficulty transferring (getting in/out of bed or chairs).
-
Individuals Managing Chronic Conditions: Patients with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes (which can cause neuropathy), or vision/balance disorders.
-
Medication Users: Patients taking multiple medications that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or drops in blood pressure.
By assessing these factors directly in the patient's living space, we create a truly functional and effective plan for senior fall prevention.
Our Specialized Care Management and Social Work Services
Our program is unique because it integrates the expertise of skilled nurses, physical therapists (PTs), and occupational therapists (OTs) to deliver a holistic safety plan.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation that goes beyond simple observation. Our team assesses:
-
Physical Risk Factors (PT Focus): Strength, gait stability, balance, and reaction time.
-
Environmental Risk Factors (OT Focus): Identification of hazards like throw rugs, inadequate lighting, poor bathroom setup, and clutter.
-
Medical Risk Factors (Nursing Focus): Blood pressure fluctuations, medication review for side effects, and chronic condition impact on balance or cognition.
Targeted Balance Training and Strengthening
Our Physical Therapists design personalized exercise programs specifically aimed at improving dynamic and static balance. This includes:
-
Functional Mobility Training: Practicing walking on uneven surfaces, stepping over obstacles, and turning safely—all within the real context of the home.
-
Strength Building: Targeted exercises to improve core and lower extremity muscle strength, which are vital for quick recovery from a stumble.
​
Home Modification and Safety SolutionsOur Occupational Therapists specialize in making the environment fit the person. Based on the home safety assessment, we provide practical, achievable recommendations for modification, such as:
-
Installing proper grab bars in the bathroom and near stairs.
-
Optimizing lighting, especially in hallways and stairwells.
-
Recommending and training on the safe use of assistive devices (walkers, canes).
-
Adjusting furniture placement to create clear, safe pathways.
​
Medication and Health Education
Our Skilled Nurses review all medications with the patient and physician, looking for combinations that may cause orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops upon standing) or drowsiness. We educate patients and families on hydration, nutrition, and when to safely use a mobility device, ensuring consistency across all aspects of the falls prevention plan.
Long-Term Independence Through Prevention
HCR Home Care is committed to reducing your reliance on assistive care over time by maximizing your capacity for independent mobility. By integrating therapy and environmental modifications, we address both the why and the where of falling. Our proactive approach drastically lowers the likelihood of severe injury, helping you stay comfortable, active, and fully independent in the place you call home.
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one falling, contact HCR Home Care today to schedule a comprehensive risk assessment and start building a foundation for lasting safety.
