Mrs. A. is a 75-year-old woman who, after undergoing a surgery awoke from anesthesia realizing something was very wrong. She had no vision in the right side of both of her eyes and decreased balance.

As part of her initial physical therapy session, Mrs. A was interviewed and asked to complete the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), which helps determine the level of perceived confidence an individual has about carrying out everyday activities without falling. The original Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) was one of the first scales to assess the perceptions of older adults themselves. The enhanced MFES is a 14-activity questionnaire, an expanded version of the original 10-activity FES that includes outdoor activities, is just as well-known and widely used scale.

Following Mrs. A’s initial interview and self-assessment, her physical therapist assesses her leg range of motion (ROM), leg strength, walking ability while being distracted, balance, and how far she can walk in six minutes. Occupational Therapy then evaluated her ability to perform daily activities such as grooming and dressing, as well as her ability to read  while maintaining confidence in an unfamiliar and busy environment such as the local library.

Below is a bullet list of Mrs. A’s results at her initial evaluation, and at discharge.

We Can Help!

Your team of physical and occupational therapists can help with education about fall prevention, including reduced falls, fear of falling, and near misses.  Call Trio Rehab for more information!

Suzanne McCrum

Suzanne McCrum, PT, DPT, CSRS, AIB (American Institute of Balance)
Trio Rehabilitation & Wellness Solutions
Boerne, Texas