First Assessment
Free
45 minutes, at home
- Full clinical examination at the patient's home
- The likely cause explained in plain language
- A realistic recovery plan and what it will cost
- No obligation to book any further sessions
A new lift, a smart flat and a family close by do not mean an older person stays active on their own. In Baner, a parent may have swapped a house with a courtyard and neighbours for an apartment on a high floor, where the walk to the gate is long, the roads are busy and the daytime is silent. Muscles weaken, joints stiffen and confidence falls with them.
The elderly physiotherapy guide describes the approach in general. Below is how it is applied in a Baner household.
A quiet day and what it does to the body
When both adults of the house work, an older parent may sit for most of the morning. Standing up gets harder, the calves and thighs lose strength, and the first steps after sitting become unsteady. Several short bouts of activity spread through the day do more good than one long walk. The physiotherapist builds a routine into things that already happen: tea, a television programme, a phone call, a meal. Each one becomes a cue for a few repetitions of standing, stepping or stretching.
What an assessment looks at
- Strength and getting up. How easily can they stand from a chair without using their hands?
- Balance. Can they stand with feet together, turn, or step over a threshold?
- Joints and pain. Knees, hips, shoulders and spine are checked for stiffness and tenderness.
- Walking. Speed, stride and any aid the person already uses.
- The home. Lighting, floor, bathroom, bed height and the route to the lift.
- Medicines and health. We note dizziness, low blood pressure, vision problems and medicines that may affect balance, and pass concerns to the doctor.
Exercises that suit a flat
Most programmes use very little. A sturdy chair, a wall for support, a clear patch of floor and perhaps a light band are enough. Typical exercises include sit-to-stand, heel raises holding the kitchen counter, marching on the spot, gentle hip and shoulder mobility, and walking practice along the corridor. If your parent had a stroke, see stroke rehabilitation in Baner, and for knee-focused problems see knee pain physiotherapy in Baner.
Making the bathroom and bedroom safer
Falls often happen at night, on the way to the bathroom. A night light, a clear path, non-slip footwear and a seat in the shower help. The physiotherapist can also look at the height of the bed and toilet seat and suggest changes. Any major alteration is the family's decision, and we only recommend what the assessment supports.
When an older person needs medical attention
Take your parent to a doctor or an emergency department if there is a fall with head injury or severe pain, sudden confusion, new weakness or facial droop, chest pain, fainting, breathlessness, or a leg that is suddenly swollen and painful. Frequent falls or unexplained dizziness also deserve a medical review before exercise is increased.
Arranging care for a parent in Baner
Many bookings come from the working son or daughter. Book a visit, give the society name and a convenient time window, and we will confirm with your parent. More on the area is on our Baner page.