Local View: Duluth Seniors' Fear Of Falling Demands To Be Addressed

<![CDATA[

September marks Fall Prevention Month, drawing attention to one of the most pressing yet often overlooked issues facing older adults: the fear of falling. While falls themselves are a well-known danger, the fear of falling is less visible but can be just as debilitating. This fear often leads to activity avoidance, social isolation, and, in some severe cases, a loss of independence.

Here in Duluth and the surrounding area, where more than 60,000 seniors live, the issue hits especially close to home. Having worked with fall-risk patients here in Duluth and nationally for nearly two decades, I’ve seen how the fear of falling has affected seniors in communities across the country. This fear can quickly develop into a recurring cycle of reduced activity, increasing weakness, and vulnerability to falls.

Nationally, falls account for about 3 million emergency-department visits among older adults each year, but the risk in Minnesota is especially alarming. Our state ranks seventh-worst for falls in the U.S., with the second-highest number of fall-related deaths per capita.

The good news is that steps can be taken to help prevent falls, especially by addressing risks in the place where they occur most often: the home. Physical therapy in the home can be particularly effective because it not only provides patients with the comfort of being in familiar surroundings but also allows providers to assess real-life safety risks in their daily environment. Whether it’s a physical therapist or another skilled clinician, the treatment, education, and encouragement they provide can make a world of difference in helping patients rebuild their confidence and step beyond their fears.

At providers like CenterWell Home Health, where I work, we prioritize fall prevention, often before an initial fall occurs. We conduct a thorough assessment of a patient’s overall health to determine factors that contribute to fall risk or a loss of balance. When identifying potential risks at home, we can spot easy-to-miss hazards such as cluttered walkways, dim lighting, and unsecured carpets. We also assess the patient’s vestibular, proprioceptive, musculoskeletal, and vision systems, which can increase fall risk if impaired. By uncovering any underlying contributors, we can create a comprehensive, individualized care plan to support the patient’s whole health.

Beyond clinical care, one of the most powerful tools to combat fall anxiety is education. Helping patients understand why they are experiencing changes in balance and mobility gives them valuable insight into when they may be most at risk for a fall. For example, when patients learn how different surfaces may impact their stability, they are better equipped to take preventive measures and make confident choices. With this insight, patients are better positioned to move forward more safely and work toward regaining or maintaining their independence.

The fear of falling may start as a personal health concern, but it widely impacts our Duluth community. Fortunately, evidence-based balance and fitness programs offer valuable resources to support healthy aging and address this public health issue.

As we recognize Fall Prevention Month, evidence-based programs, combined with greater local awareness and a preventive approach, can empower Duluth seniors to live and move with confidence.

Ryan Sharrow of Hermantown is assistant vice president of therapy care and research  for CenterWell Home Health, which has a Duluth branch. He wrote this for the News Tribune.