THE PROBLEM
According to the CDC, nearly 30% of Americans over the age of 65 experience a fall annually. In fact, over 2 million older Americans require an emergency room visit every year because of fall-related injuries.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in older adults and are incredibly costly, with over $50 billion spent annually on non-fatal and fatal falls combined.
The CDC recommends fall-risk screening annually to help prevent falls. However, screening is underutilized and not routinely integrated into clinical practice.
THE SOLUTION
Mobility requires efficient interaction of musculoskeletal and sensory systems (especially visual, somatosensory, and vestibular) to control everyday movements, and these systems are known to be compromised in aging and linked to cognitive status.
Our established system and methods for quantifying multisensory interactions demonstrate clear clinical-translational value with regard to predicting motor outcomes like falls.
We provide a standardized and mobile multisensory screening test that is quick, easy, affordable, and accessible. Much like the newly implemented cognitive screening test, older adults will receive a CatchU® test (a fall risk assessment) annually at a minimum, in an effort to assess sensory integration and fall risk. Those at higher risk of falls and other mobility impairments will receive tailored recommendations from their physicians. The CatchU® fall risk assessment tool for older adults is eligible for telehealth reimbursement in at-risk patients. A self-pay option is also available for patients where providers recommend testing. Our most important goal is to prevent falls in order to reduce pain and injuries and maintain independence in our aging population.
