What Could Home Health do for the Queen?

I'll admit it. I woke up early and watched the royal wedding. After her graceful exit from her motorcoahc, I couldn't help but notice that Queen Elizabeth II has a shuffling gait! Here's our favorite monarch making her way to the wedding.

At the 1:30 mark, watch how she doesn't pick up here feet the way a younger, healthy person does. That is a perfect example of a shuffling gait.  This is a common symptom for Parkinson's Disease or Musculoskeletal disorders, but changes in gait can also be a normal part of ageing.

A shuffling gait puts seniors at high risk for a fall because they are more likely to trip on thresholds, rugs and natural varients on surfaces. When they have gait irregulariites, they are likely to have poor trunk support and muscle weakness, which means that if they do fall, they will have a hard time getting back up.

 A physical therapist will evaluate gait irregularities by

• Discussing the patient's complaints, fears, and goals related to mobility
• Observing gait with and without an assistive device (if safe)
• Assessing all components of gait
• Observing gait again with a knowledge of the patient's gait components

Physical Therapy for a shuffling gait will include strength training, which is modified to suit each individual's specific ability level, balance training and assistive device training.

A fall can pose a huge setback for seniors. Remember that falls are preventable with early intervention!