Free fall-risk screening appointments set June 17

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people be screened regularly for fall risk by their healthcare providers.

Aging in Place Specialists, a local in-home outpatient physical therapy practice, is known in the community for its screening events, workshops and effective treatment of balance disorders. It will host free fall-risk screening appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 17, at Lewes Public Library. This free screening will provide a fall-risk score and a strength score, as well as information about what people can do to improve or maintain balance.

Holly Ann Firuta, PT, CFPS, CAPS, of Aging in Place Specialists is the physical therapist and certified falls prevention specialist who will be conducting the screenings.

Aging in Place Specialists also provides specialized interventions for Parkinson’s Disease with LSVT-BIG certified therapists.

According to the CDC, falls among adults aged 65 and older are common, costly and preventable. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. In the United States, about one in four adults age 65 and older reports falling each year. This results in about 36 million falls each year. While not all falls result in an injury, about 37 percent of those who fall reported an injury that required medical treatment or restricted activity.

One specific type of fall injury that is most concerning is hip fracture. According to the data, hip fractures are difficult to recover from and often prevent a return to living independently. The prevalence of hip fractures is directly correlated with increased age. Anyone who is starting to lose confidence with daily activities and recreation may call 302-444-8318 to schedule a free screening. All screenings are by appointment only, and limited space is available.

For more information, go to aginginplacede.com.