Free Falls Prevention Clinics in November

Mille Lacs Health System is proud to offer a free Falls Prevention Clinic at three of our locations this November. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, particularly among older adults, but they can affect people of all ages. Our goal is to help our community stay safe and independent by providing free assessments designed to identify risks and offer personalized recommendations for fall prevention.

According to the CDC, one out of four older adults falls each year, but less than half will tell their family or medical provider. Falls lead to nearly three million emergency department visits for senior citizens annually, highlighting the importance of prevention.

This event is open to all members of the community, regardless of age, or if you are a patient with us, and is designed to assess key factors that contribute to falls. Each participant will go through a series of screening stations, including a medical screening where vitals are taken and a brief vision screening is performed. Next, a balance screening will evaluate the ability to maintain stability, followed by a strength screening to assess muscle power.

After completing the assessments, participants will have a one-on-one consultation with a licensed physical therapist. During this consultation, the therapist will review results, offer recommendations, and provide a summary to take home. This summary can also be shared with your medical provider if further follow-up is recommended.

The Falls Prevention Clinic will take place at three locations:

• Tuesday, November 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our Milaca Clinic in the Rehab area (use the side door on the left for direct access to Rehab for check-in).
• Thursday, November 14th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our Onamia location, in the foyer outside the Rehab Department (use Door L, located between ER & Lake Song Assisted Living).
• Monday, November 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our Isle Clinic in the Rehab area.

Refreshments will be provided, and we do ask that you RSVP for a time slot to help manage the flow and reduce wait times. Sessions will take about 15 minutes each. Please call the Rehab Department at 320-532-2520 to reserve your spot.

Falls can lead to injuries that limit mobility and independence, and identifying risk factors early is a key step in preventing them. Whether you are concerned about your own risk of falling or want to support a loved one, this free clinic offers valuable insights and practical strategies to stay safe.