Innovative 3D Program Helps Westminster Residents Improve Balance and Reduce Falls With New CMS Grant
Westminster Towers, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek Participate in Pilot Program With VirtuSense’s VST Balance, Funded By U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Technology may come to the rescue for residents who have difficulty walking safely or challenges with their balance. An innovative new program can identify physical therapy interventions and pinpoint possible improvements using 3D computer analysis of their stride, gait and other physical measures.
Westminster Communities of Florida is pleased to be participating in a new pilot program of VST Balance at two of our communities, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek and Westminster Towers. The program is conducted in partnership with VirtuSense Technologies through a grant from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The goal of VST Balance is to predict the risk of residents falling and help prevent falls through earlier intervention of physical therapy, administered by our therapy departments in the communities. Using artificial intelligence and machine vision, a sensor analyzes the individual through a series of assessments of how they walk, reach, and stand.
VST Balance also makes the experience fun, with a variety of interactive games that are also exercises, using the 3D sensor to help with assessments.
As part of this project with VirtuSense, our goal is to reduce overall falls by 10 percent, as well as achieve reductions in falls with injuries, hip fractures, gait speed and balance. We also have a goal of achieving resident satisfaction of 75 percent, assessed via a survey.
“We are so pleased that our communities were selected to be part of this program,” said Amanda Birch, Director of Quality Initiatives for Westminster Communities of Florida. “Our team members are looking forward to using VST Balance with the residents to enhance their mobility, as well as reduce their risk of falling. Thank you to CMS and VirtuSense for including us in this project!”
