Occupational Therapist Assist in Falls Prevention

Friday, September 25, 2026

Falls Prevention Week is a great reminder that preventing falls takes more than just focusing on strength and balance.  Our Occupational Therapists look at the whole picture, from daily activities and home safety to vision, cognition, adaptive equipment and safe techniques, to help identify fall risks and keep you safe and independent.  At Butler County Health Therapy Services, we’re here to help you move safely and confidently through everyday life.  Below are examples of how BCH Occupational Therapists assist in fall prevention:

  • Assessing daily activities such as safety with toileting, bathing, dressing, transfers, meal preparation
     
  • Identifying environmental hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, unsafe furniture placement or other household hazards
     
  • Recommending adaptive equipment to reduce fall risk such as grab bars, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, reachers, and other equipment
     
  • Training is safe techniques such as shower transfers, retrieval of objects, carrying of items and completion of daily household tasks 
     
  • Addressing cognition and safety awareness that may cause difficulty in recognizing safety hazards
     
  • Addressing vision and perception that may contribute to falls\
     
  • Educating caregivers on appropriate cueing, supervision, transfers, home setup or equipment use

The Parkinson's Empowerment Group at Butler County Health targets so many aspects and symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves a person’s posture, mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as cognition and ability to multi-task. I also like the flexibility of the program and being able to adjust exercises from each position to fit the need of each individual patient.  

Andy Valenti, Physical Therapist Assistant

My strategy in nutrition coaching is to focus on the positive – what things could we add to increase the variety of healthy foods in your routine?  By focusing on adding more healthy choices, you will not feel deprived as you gradually leave out less nutritious choices.  My goal is to help you get a personalized approach to wellness that you can achieve and maintain with your current lifestyle.

Sandra Burwell, Registered Dietitian

Butler County Health has felt like home to me from the beginning of my employment.  I have spent more than 5 years working in an environment that has challenged me to pursue my nursing skills in many different areas such as the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Care and as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Coordinator.

Tara Palensky, RN

BCH Roots to Shoots Pediatric Therapy Clinic eliminates the need for long commutes to distant facilities like Madonna, allowing Aria to maximize her therapy sessions and educational opportunities.  It is significant for Aria’s overall well-being as it reduces the stress and agitation she had from extended travel.  The staff is like our family to us.

Jennifer Prothman

The communication between us and Leia’s Roots to Shoots therapists is excellent.  We are given the tools and resources to practice techniques at home for ongoing progress and development so she can continue to thrive.  The entire staff at Roots to Shoots goes above and beyond what needs to be done; from teaching her to wear something as simple as a mask, to helping her feel comfortable riding in another vehicle like a school bus.  They are our angels.

Stacey Bykerk

I feel having a 3D mammogram was a blessing for me since it detected my Stage 1 cancer.  The technicians were very helpful as they explained how the machine worked compared to the 2D method.  A big difference is that the 3D machines moves above your head from one size to another and gives a more complete image of the breast.  The testing time also seemed shorter than the standard mammogram.

Judy Dubs

I had a bunion on my foot and I wanted it removed,  but I really didn't want to travel too far to have the procedure done.  So when Butler County Health started providing Podiatry Services, I made an appointment right away.  Dr. Carlston is professional and personable.  He took the time to explain what happens during the procedure and afterwards.

Jill Pokorny

Being able to have my blood drawn at Butler County Health saves me a weekly trip to Omaha.  It is simple to schedule an appointment that works with my schedule and the staff is quick and efficient at drawing my blood samples.

Tanner Zeilinger