Help protect elderly from fall-related injuries
The only way to steady the rising number of elderly deaths due to falls is by preventing them from happening in the first place, according to balance expert Helen Cohen, EdD., OTR, FAOTA, professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
The Center for Balance Disorders and the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor treats chronic problems that often lead to falls.
Inner ear problem symptoms, which can cause accidental falls, include:
- Dizziness
- Imbalance
- Disorientation
- Blurred vision
Balance therapy can help those with known balance disorders, said Cohen.
She also suggests home safety checks. Families can look out for low lighting, slippery rugs, electrical cords and other reasons that could cause a person to trip or lose their balance.
For more information on balance therapy, contact the Center for Balance Disorders at 713-798-6336 or the Huffington Center on Aging at 713-798-5840.
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