STEADI Fall Prevention
STEADI - STopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries
The CDC created the STEADI Initiative for healthcare providers to help prevent injuries in the elderly due to falling.
There are 3 core elements to STEADI:
- Screen patients for fall risk
- Assess modifiable risk factors
- Intervene to reduce risk
FYZICAL West Caldwell wants to be your partner in preventing falls and injuries for your patients. We can help you by providing evidence-supported screening techniques that you can use quickly in your office to determine if your patients need to see a physical therapist who specializes in balance to reduce their risk of falls. Our therapists will use their expertise to help improve your patient's balance and reduce fall and injury risk.
One quick screening tool you can use is called the 4-Stage Balance Test. The patient is asked to hold a position (feet side by side, feet slightly staggered, tandem stance, and single leg stance) for 10 seconds, starting with the easiest position. The provider times them. If the patient can hold a position for 10 seconds, you continue to the next position. If the patient cannot hold a position for 10 seconds, you stop the test.
If a patient is unable to hold the tandem stance position for 10 seconds, they are at an increased risk of falls. They should be further assessed in your office and/or referred to a physical therapist for further assessment and intervention.
The CDC also offers an online training module to help you and your team integrate fall prevention into your practice.
