gero placement

I am currently completing my gerontology placement at an outpatient day-hospital where most of the patients are at risk of falling or have balance problem. I have started to treat patients under supervision. I found some interesting information to share with you in terms of patients’ cultural background for balance issues.80 year old chinese lady was assessed in the falls clinic. She tells a fall-specialist she remains independent in her activities of daily living. She is living in a two storey home and is a non-drinker and non-smoker. The main problem is a two-year history of gradual decline in balance and gait. This is associated with her complaint of numbness in her bilateral fore foot. It is not associated with history of stroke, TIA or onset of arthritis, or leg weakness. Her performance deteriorates on uneven surface and there is a concern that she is thrown off balance by her small dog which she continues to walk with on a daily basis. Moreover, her gait seemed abnormal. She seemed off balance when initially standing and when turning. However, there was no evidence of tremor or cogwheel rigidity. She reports she does not understand why she needs to come to see physio and she does not feel she has any problem with her balance and gait.Overall, as far as I am concerned, her balance is not as sever as other patients in my placement.