UAMS Research To Help Predict, Prevent Falls In The Elderly
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: January 30, 2013
It often means they will have to enter into a long term care facility but one local researcher is finding a way to predict these dangerous accidents.
A group of seniors at UAMS exercise well into their later years.
They know the importance of staying active but many elderly lose their confidence in exercise programs after they experience a fall.
"Falls are leading cause of disability and institutionalization for those over 65," said Amy Hester a registered nurse and doctoral student who's studying those falls and what causes them.
Beginning her research in 2008 she created a prediction model to try and anticipate falls before they happen.
"So we can use individualized interventions to mediate that risk," said Hester.
"If you can determine the cause then you can determine the correct plan of treatment," said M.J. Orellano a rehab program manager.
By considering not only a person's age and previous fall history, but what medications they're on and their mobility status and visual impairments.
"We want to get the right people to the right programs," Orellano said.
Another way they're doing that at UAMS is with a $60,000 piece of equipment to measure patients balance and help them in their rehabilitation.
The balance tester even simulates the type of visual impairments a patient might face with a moving background.
Proper diagnosis along with balance activities improve reaction time and help everyone stay healthy.
Researchers said they also hope to use the information to help patients with a safer transition from the hospital back to their homes.
A group of seniors at UAMS exercise well into their later years.
They know the importance of staying active but many elderly lose their confidence in exercise programs after they experience a fall.
"Falls are leading cause of disability and institutionalization for those over 65," said Amy Hester a registered nurse and doctoral student who's studying those falls and what causes them.
Beginning her research in 2008 she created a prediction model to try and anticipate falls before they happen.
"So we can use individualized interventions to mediate that risk," said Hester.
"If you can determine the cause then you can determine the correct plan of treatment," said M.J. Orellano a rehab program manager.
By considering not only a person's age and previous fall history, but what medications they're on and their mobility status and visual impairments.
"We want to get the right people to the right programs," Orellano said.
Another way they're doing that at UAMS is with a $60,000 piece of equipment to measure patients balance and help them in their rehabilitation.
The balance tester even simulates the type of visual impairments a patient might face with a moving background.
Proper diagnosis along with balance activities improve reaction time and help everyone stay healthy.
Researchers said they also hope to use the information to help patients with a safer transition from the hospital back to their homes.
