North Shore Health (NSH) has been hosting Fall Prevention Clinics in the Physical Therapy department throughout the year, and Tuesday, September 13th is the final one of 2022.

• Over 65?
• Living at home? 
• Are you wanting to stay in your home for as long and safely as possible?
• Afraid of Falling?

This screening is free for Cook County individuals over 65 years and older. Under the guidance of North Shore Health physical therapists, we assess your individual risk of falling with several different tests and measures.  

Why is it so important to get screened? 

Boreal Community Media talked with Kelsey Saladin, PT, DPT of North Shore Health, who shared that “one in four individuals over the age of 65 will fall each year”.  She added that “some falls can lead to serious injuries like bone fractures, dislocations, or breaks, hip fractures, brain injury, or death. Sometimes, injuries left untreated can also lead to death.”

According to the CDC, falling once doubles your chance of falling again. 

Minnesota, unfortunately, ranks higher than average in terms of deaths from falls. 

What to expect during a screening

Saladin shared that “we [North Shore Health] utilize the STEADI® Algorithm (Stopping Elderly Accidents Deaths and Injuries) produced by the CDC to guide our decision making for a comprehensive assessment.”

Following the same programs that large hospitals in Southern MN complete, NSH will measure and test the following during a 20-minute test: 

• your standing and reaction balance

• your walking

• how you move from sitting to standing
  
  

From there, the experts will create an individualized plan specific to YOU! Their goal is to keep you safe and in your home for as long as possible. You will leave knowing how good your balance is compared to others your age and how you can make improvements so you can add more life to your years. 

Saladin mentioned that” those who we find are moderate and high-risk for falling are usually recommended to discuss findings with their physician to determine if further testing is required, or initiate physical therapy to address their specific risk factors.”

Things to know

• Testing slots are open from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022

• Testing takes 20 minutes to complete and you will be given a time slot based upon calling to set up your appointment

• It is recommended to wear clothes and shoes that you can be active and move in

• Bring a list of your current medications

• Wear glasses if you have them

Call 218-387-3040 and tell the operator you’d like to schedule your appointment for the Fall Prevention Clinic. You will receive a call from someone at the clinic confirming the appointment a day or two prior to the scheduled date/time.