Greenwich Hospital’s Department of Physical Medicine welcomed community members for a free fall-risk screening event Oct. 15. The event, part of the hospital’s ongoing public health outreach, offered assessments, exercise guidance and education aimed at reducing fall risk among older adults.
Physical therapists and other staff members guided participants through balance and strength assessments and demonstrated simple exercises to reduce fall risk. Among the key movements staff demonstrated was the chair rise exercise. Participants repeatedly stand up and sit down without using their arms. This motion helps strengthen the thighs and buttocks, improve stability and build the muscle control needed to prevent falls in daily life.
“We were inspired to host this event because so many falls are preventable with the right knowledge and a few simple habits,” said event organizer Julie Wahnish, PT, manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services at Greenwich Hospital. “By helping people understand their balance, practice strengthening exercises and learn how to make their homes safer, we can empower them to stay active and independent for years to come.”
Greenwich Hospital’s fall-risk screening is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-endorsed STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries) program.
Physical therapists also shared strategies to help prevent falls, such as these four foundational steps developed by the CDC:
- Speak up. Tell healthcare providers about unsteadiness, dizziness, near-falls or balance changes. Communicating concerns early allows providers to intervene before a serious fall.
- Keep moving. Exercises that challenge balance, leg strength and coordination help maintain mobility and reduce fall risk. The chair rise is one example, but a well-rounded exercise routine is ideal.
- Get an annual eye exam. Vision changes are common with age and often contribute to falls. Keep prescriptions current and monitor for cataracts, glaucoma or other eye conditions.
- Make your home safer. Remove tripping hazards (loose rugs, clutter), improve lighting, install grab bars near bathrooms, have secure handrails on stairs and reduce slippery surfaces.
As part of its broader mission in geriatrics and rehabilitative care, Greenwich Hospital integrates physical therapy, case management and other support services to help older adults maintain independence and safety.
