Elderly Physiotherapy at Home in Bibwewadi, Pune

In many Bibwewadi households the working day empties the flat. The sons and daughters leave for the office, and an older parent stays home with the television, the kitchen and the stairs. Physiotherapy for older people here has to fit that reality: short, safe routines that a person can do alone, and a home set up so that falls are less likely.

The elderly physiotherapy page covers the general approach. Here we describe how it works for someone living in Bibwewadi, much of it centred on the hours when no one else is home. Gangadham readers can see elderly care in Gangadham.

The empty-flat hours

When a person is alone, the physiotherapist thinks about the three situations in which falls most commonly happen: getting out of bed, going to the toilet at night, and moving about while carrying something. We look at them in the actual flat:

• The bed. Too low, and standing up takes a push; too soft, and the edge gives way.
• The route to the bathroom at night. A clear path, a night light and no loose mats make a difference.
• The bathroom. A wet floor and a high threshold are the main hazards, and a stool in the shower can help.
• The doorbell. Hurrying to answer it is a common cause of a stumble. A slower routine, or a chair near the door, helps.

Strength and balance that fit a short day

The most useful exercises are not elaborate. Standing up from a chair several times, rising onto the toes while holding the counter, standing with feet close together or one foot in front of the other, and walking a few steps heel-to-toe all train the muscles and reflexes that prevent falls. The physiotherapist teaches a short set, often under ten minutes, that can be done after tea or after lunch, and adjusts it as the person gets stronger. A routine that is brief and simple is far more likely to continue.

Pain from arthritis, a stiff shoulder or a bad back often limits activity, and we treat those too. Knee pain physiotherapy and back pain physiotherapy pages explain what that involves, and stroke rehabilitation covers recovery after a stroke.

Going out safely

Independence also means getting out: to the temple, the market, the doctor or the bus. In Bibwewadi, bus stops along the main road have been shifted to the footpath side during the metro works, and the lanes beyond them often slope. The physiotherapist helps the person plan what is realistic: a walking aid if needed, resting points, how to cross, and the time of day when the road is quietest. We do not aim for the farthest walk; we aim for the one that keeps the person confident.

What families can do

• Ask the doctor to review medicines that cause dizziness or drowsiness, and tell the physiotherapist about them.
• Check eyesight and footwear. Loose slippers cause many falls.
• Be present at the first visit when you can, so that you hear the same advice.
• Call us if the person's walking changes, they become less steady or they start to avoid going out.

When a change is an emergency

New confusion, a sudden facial droop, weakness on one side, a fall with a blow to the head or chest pain should be treated as emergencies, even if the person insists they are fine. Go to the nearest hospital instead of waiting for a visit. Sudden dizziness with fainting also needs medical review before exercise.

To arrange a visit, use the booking page, or read the Bibwewadi page for the neighbourhoods we cover.