Maintain Your Independence By Reducing Your Fall Risk

Every year, more than 1 in 4 elderly adults has at least one fall and over 3 million are treated in an emergency room as a result.  Many of these falls result in a broken bones or head trauma and the fast majority of all hip fractures are caused by a fall. 

These injuries can have a significant impact on a senior adult’s ability to maintain their independence and take care of some of the basic activities of daily living.   On top of that, once a senior falls, they are at an even higher risk for falling because they tend to become fearful and reduce their activities which can result in a further loss of strength and balance.

There are a number of reasons that seniors are at a higher risk of falling. Among them are vision impairment (misjudging the edge of a curb or step), taking medications that may cause dizziness or simply a loss of strength and flexibility.

There are some easy things that can be done to reduce fall risk like removing hazards from your home such as throw rugs or installing grab bars in the bathroom.  Another idea is to ensure that your eyeglass prescription is current and that your home is well lit.  Make sure you wear practical footwear (not scuff-type slippers or flip flops) and forego the high heels.  If you have dizziness, discuss with your doctor if any of your medications could be the cause.

Residents at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa have a couple of big advantages in the fight against falls.  One is our Kinetisense(R) Fall Risk Assessment tool brought to us by Symbria Wellness. Kinetisense technology identifies deficits in balance, gait and function - the three leading indicators of fall risk. 

Using state-of-the-art technology to improve mobility & maintain independence

Our Well-Being specialists use state-of-the-art technology to develop each participant's fitness plan. KAMS Independent Living functional movement screen, by Kinetisense, incorporates motion capture technology and advanced machine learning to power the assessment tool. This 5-minute assessment provides information on the individual's gait, balance, and functional movements, including any deficiencies in their range of motion that may indicate a fall risk.

Using the data gathered from the KAMS screening, our fitness specialists create a tailored exercise plan for each resident. Fellowship Square is the only senior living community in Arizona that utilizes this technology in its exercise and wellness program.

The feedback from residents who have participated has been encouraging, and they have seen considerable improvement in their endurance and mobility.