Fall Prevention & Recovery Support in Vancouver, WA

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month.

Our team at Griswold Home Care for Vancouver is here to help you prevent falls throughout September and year-round. In addition to offering fall prevention and recovery support services, we’re proud to partner with Able Care and Sensi!

In this month’s blog post, we’ll introduce you to our partners and review evidence-based exercises to help with strength and balance.

Who Is Able Care?

Able Care’s fall prevention technology gives us powerful insights into fall risk. Able Care created the GripAble Sensor, a simple device that can measure areas like grip strength. It also measures timed up and go (TUG), gait speed, and chair stands. The assessment only takes about 5 minutes – we’ll walk you through each step. At the end of the assessment, Able Care technology generates a report. In the report, we can see your fall risk profile. We’ll review your results and let you know if you’re at risk of falling.

Are your residents or community members interested in a free fall risk screening? We’re excited to offer group screenings at local facilities! Give us a call to schedule a screening.

Does Griswold Know if My Loved One Has a Fall?

In addition to fall risk screenings, we offer discreet technology that provides alerts about concerning events. This can include verbal and non-verbal cues related to falls and physical distress. If there is a call for help, our technology will alert your care team right away. This enables us to prevent potential hospital visits and intervene before things get worse.

What Exercises Help Prevent Falls?

The Washington State Department of Health is raising awareness around older adult falls. They’ve compiled a list of fall prevention programs proven to improve balance and strength:

• A Matter of Balance: This evidence-based, field-tested program reduces the fear of falling for older adults. If you or a loved one is at risk of falling, or has had falls in the past, this 8-week program can help build confidence back up.
• Bingocize®: This is a 10-week program that combines games, exercise, and education. Incorporating bingo into exercise and health can help remove barriers to participation. There’s a mobile app, too!
• Enhance Fitness: A falls prevention and physical activity program. Classes are available at the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington, Battle Ground Senior Center, Bethel Lutheran Church, Camas Parks & Recreation, and the Washougal Citizen Center.
• FallsTalk and FallScape: Designed for individuals who struggle with falls and balance, FallsTalk will connect you with a trained facilitator. Over 6 weeks, you’ll develop a process to respond to falls. FallsTalk can be paired with FallScape. FallScape is a platform that creates personalized training sessions.
• The Otago Exercise Program: With this program, your physical therapist will assist you with strength and balance exercises in your home or in a community setting. You might perform exercises to strengthen your knees and hips. You’ll also work on sit-to-stands, squats, heel raises, and more.
• Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL): A strength, balance, and fitness program for adults over the age of 65. SAIL meets three times per week for an hour. In Vancouver, you can find SAIL classes at Touchmark Health & Fitness Club (2911 SE Village Loop Vancouver, WA 98683).
• Tai Chi and Tai Ji Quan: Tai Chi can improve your muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMDD) was derived from Tai Chi.

What Services Are Offered at Griswold?

We provide non-medical in-home care services like companionship, personal care, and homemaking. We can also assist with simple home safety upgrades like night lights and non-slip mats. Your Griswold Caregiver may even be able to accompany you to an exercise class. Give us a call today to get started!