WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt.—The Advance Physical Therapy team at Twin River Health Center, a Gifford Health Care clinic, will provide free balance assessments by appointment during a series of sessions in mid-October. Open to all Gifford and non-Gifford patients, the private assessments, about 30 minutes each, will take place on the following dates:
- Thursday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 14, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
“We are pleased to offer free balance assessments to members of our community, and also look forward to sharing Advance Physical Therapy’s new space at Twin River Health Center,” said Gifford Rehabilitation Services Manager Troy Stratton, referring to the team’s recent move to downtown White River Junction from Wilder.
Balance assessments are recommended for adults age 65 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “More than one out of four older people falls each year.” And, “falling once doubles your chances of falling again.”
“Balance assessments are a useful tool for older adults to help determine if they or a loved one is a fall risk,” said Stratton. “We will assess your posture, strength, speed and movement patterns during this 30-minute session. Once completed, we can advise you on what your next step can be to decrease your risk of falls if needed.”
Early scheduling is recommended as space is limited. For more information and to schedule an assessment, call 802-296-7370.
Advance Physical Therapy provides one-on-one care in a relaxing gym and exam rooms at Twin River Health Center. Utilizing advanced training and following patient goals for therapy, the PT staff works to relieve pain, improve functional abilities, and return each individual to his or her previous level of activity—whether in athletics, on the job, or in completing daily tasks. For more information about Advance Physical Therapy at Twin River Health Center, visit giffordhealthcare.org/location/twin-river-health-center.
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Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, Rochester and White River Junction, and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit; many surgical services; a day care; two adult day programs; and the 30-bed Menig Nursing Home, which was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best 39 nursing homes in the country in 2012. The Birthing Center, established in 1977, was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to traditional hospital-based deliveries, and continues to be a leader in midwifery and family-centered care. The hospital’s mission is to improve individuals’ and community health by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care in Gifford’s service area.
