We’ve all heard that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” What if you understood what steps you could take now to help prevent falls, loss of mobility, chronic pain, cognitive decline, and hospitalization, and delay the need for long-term care? This summer, a new screening program is available through Stonehill’s Outpatient Therapy Clinic that can help independent adults stay safe, active, and living well.
AgeWell is a free wellness screening program that is designed to give individuals a quantitatively assessed baseline for recognizing changes in mobility, strength, balance, swallowing, speech, and cognitive function. This baseline gives both you and your health care providers data for making informed decisions about your ongoing health and wellness.
Why AgeWell Matters
One in Four Americans Over 65 Fall Each Year
Among older adults who fall, over half receive care in a hospital. The estimated annual average cost per inpatient visit for falls injuries is $18,658 and $1,112 per ER visit. Lower body weakness, loss of balance, loss of bone density, and difficulties walking increase the risk of falls. A physical therapist can help with all the above, preventing falls and avoiding costly hospital visits.
People with Vision Loss Have Almost Twice the Risk of Falls
Did you know that occupational therapy can help compensate for low vision? Hazards in the home, including clutter and poor lighting, and lack of supports such as grab bars can cause falls. Home modification and assistive device recommendations by an Occupational Therapist can address these hazards to reduce falls risk in the home. Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact. Older adults who fear falling may limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical and cognitive decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.
Cognitive Decline is Strongly Associated with a Significantly Higher Ris of Hospitalization in the US, Particularly Among Older Adults
Approximately two out of three Americans experience some level of cognitive impairment at an average age of 70 years. Studies indicate that the relationship between cognitive decline and hospitalization is complex and bidirectional, with pre-existing cognitive impairment increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. And hospitalization, especially for non-elective reasons such as an injury or illness, can accelerate cognitive decline. Speech-language pathologists can assess cognitive decline and treat related deficits of memory, problem solving, safety awareness, attention/concentration, and information processing.
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Increases the Risk of Needing Residential Care Because it Leads to Complications Such as Malnutrition, Dehydration, and Aspiration Pneumonia, Which Necessitate Higher Levels of Care
Dysphagia also significantly impacts quality of life, social interaction, and psychological well-being, creating greater burdens on caregivers and increasing the likelihood that an individual will require the support available in a residential setting. Speech-language pathologists can assess swallowing safety risks, prescribe modifications, and help prevent further complications related to dysphagia through treatment.
The AgeWell screening is quick and fun and includes three simple 10‑minute sessions with licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Together, they assess:
- Balance
- Fitness
- Daily living skills
- Memory
- Swallowing safety
Therapists can also help with many other areas, including pain, strength, home safety, memory strategies, communication, and mobility. Individuals are encouraged to bring any questions or individual concerns to the screening.
“We are very excited to offer this free screening here at Stonehill Communities. Our goal as therapists is to promote improved function and independence. We want people to stay healthy and out of the hospital by providing them with the tools and knowledge to safely age in place and remain in their homes. Function and safety is always a top priority, and this tool will empower and encourage people in the community to make those preventative health choices to live their lives to their full potential,” said Jonathan Foht, Interim Director of Therapy at Stonehill Communities.
This service is available to individuals 65+ who are enrolled in Medicare and living at home or in an independent or assisted living community.
Screenings are available by appointment. To learn more or set up a complimentary AgeWell screening, please call 563.690.9637 or visit Stonehilldbq.com.
Christel Tatro is the Communication Strategist at Stonehill Communities and enjoys promoting the services and resources available locally to help older adults live well.
This article was originally published in CHOICES For Fifty Plus, a Dubuque area magazine for people that are 50 and older. Single copies are available at Dubuque area newsstands or click here to read the digital version of the latest issue.
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