'A Balanced Life' Offered to Seniors

More than one-third of seniors over age 65 fall each year according to the Centers for Disease Control. In recognition of National Safety Month, the balance professionals at Verdugo Hills Hospital's A Balanced Life program are reminding the community about the importance of improving balance and preventing falls.

Dangers around the home cause as many as 20,000 deaths, seven million disabling injuries, and 20 million hospital trips in the U.S. each year, according to the Home Safety Council.

A Balanced Life, a unique fall-prevention and balance-improvement program offered by Verdugo Hills Hospital's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, assists older adults in retaining and regaining their independence by reducing the risk of falls. Physical therapists work with patients individually to improve balance through a variety of assessments and exercises and can include a home safety evaluation. A Balanced Life staff also provides free balance lectures to church groups, community organizations and others.

"A Balanced Life has improved the lives of more than 400 seniors from dozens of communities across Los Angeles County since it began nearly two years ago," said Bill Hartley, PT, A Balanced Life program coordinator. "Through A Balanced Life, we are helping seniors stay healthier by identifying risk factors and developing programs that meet the specific needs of every one of our patients."

Enrollment in A Balanced Life requires a doctor's referral and is covered by Medicare and most health plans. To find out more about A Balanced Life, call 952-2294.

In addition A Balanced Life, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Verdugo Hills Hospital offers comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Physical therapy provides evaluation and treatment including therapeutic exercise; lower-back testing; and special programs in spinal, orthopedic, and neurological disorders. Occupational therapy offers rehabilitation focused on functional activities of daily living and has a certified hand therapist who specializes in hand rehabilitation. Speech therapy evaluates and treats communication and speech problems. Combined, these programs assist more than 20,000 individuals annually.