Owen Sound Balance Clinic

Owen Sound Balance Clinic is an endeavor of Physio Care Owen Sound to serve people with balance and mobility deficits. The ability to move independently is essential to a good quality of life, and we want to help you accomplish that.

We take a two-pronged approach to work toward our goals.

First, we will complete a comprehensive assessment and recommend you an appropriate mobility aid.

If you need a walker or a wheelchair, you may be eligible for up to 75% funding via the assistive devices program (ADP) from the government of Ontario.

We will complete the application form and forward it to a vendor of your choice to get the equipment.

(Please note: An application is not a guarantee for funding. please contact us for more information)

Second, we recommend a personalized exercise program to improve your strength, agility, and balance to improve your ability to participate in your activities of daily living more independently.

We will design a personalized exercise program and work with you 1-on-1 over 6-12 weeks. You will attend the clinic weekly to work with us for 45 minutes to an hour of supervised exercise program. We will give you an exercise program to practice at home as well.

Service fees:

Rollator: two visits

First visit:

In this visit, the therapist will complete the assessment and determine the appropriate mobility aid for you. If you require a rollator and are eligible, the therapist will take the measurements, complete the application form for the assistive devices program (ADP) and forward it to the vendor of your choice.

Rates:

In-clinic: $110., At home: $150

Second visit:

In this visit, the therapist will review the mobility aid you received and determine if the rollator is fit appropriately for you, and recommend changes if required.

If you have access to a phone/tablet and internet connection this visit can be completed virtually as well.

Rates:

In-clinic – $50.,  At home – $150 (in-person)., 

Virtual/telehealth – $50

Wheelchair: three visits

First visit:

In this visit, the therapist will complete the assessment and determine the appropriate wheelchair. If you require a wheelchair and are eligible, the therapist will take the measurements, complete the application form for the assistive devices program (ADP) and forward it to the vendor of your choice.

Rates: 

In-clinic or at home – $150

Second visit:

In this visit, the therapist will do a trial with the vendor to fit the appropriate wheelchair.

If modifications are required, the therapist will bring it to the attention of the vendor to make those modifications to ensure that you are comfortable using the wheelchair.

Rates: 

In-clinic or at home – $150

Third visit:

In this visit, the therapist will follow up with you to ensure that the wheelchair is working well and that there are no concerns. This visit can be completed virtually by telehealth as well.

Rates: 

In-clinic or at home – $150 (in-person).,

Virtual/telehealth – $50

If any additional visits are required, you would be charged at the rate of $150 per visit.

If the client lives outside of Owen Sound, mileage would be charged at the rate of $0.60 (60 cents)/km.

Exercise therapy:

Clinical studies have shown that a reduction in muscle strength and coordination of the lower extremities, accompanied by decreased gait assurance and balance, contributes to a higher risk of falls among the elderly.

Exercise programs created to increase stability and reduce the risk of falls would improve overall physical functioning, which would improve the quality of life.

We will design a personalized exercises program and work with with you 1 on 1 over a 6-12 week period to improve your strength, agility and balance.

You will attend the clinic once a week for a 45 minutes to 1 hour session of exercise therapy and we will provide an exercise program to practice at home as well.

Rates:

Physiotherapy initial assessment – $110. 

1 on 1 exercise therapy – $60/session.

Both the initial assessment and exercise therapy sessions can be billed under extended health insurance.

With our knowledge and expertise in the prescription and use of mobility devices for safe ambulation and exercise therapy to improve your strength, agility, and balance; we expect that by the end of the program you will be able to participate in the activities of your daily life independently or with minimal assistance.

Frequently asked questions:

Will my extended health insurance benefits cover the cost?

If you have extended Health Benefits, the cost of the physiotherapy assessment and the client portion of the walker fee may be partially or fully covered.

The 1 on 1 exercise therapy program will be covered by your extended health insurance.

Do I need a doctor’s prescription?

A doctor’s prescription is not necessary to participate in the ADP program or the physiotherapy assessment but may be required for your health claim from your extended health insurance. Check with your benefits provider prior to having the assessment and purchasing the walker.

What if I have associated pain in my joint/joints that is affecting my ability to move well?

You will be assessed by your physiotherapist separately for addressing  any pain or dysfunction you have that is affecting your ability to move independently. Your physio will discuss with you physio interventions to address the underlying issues and the expected outcome. An appropriate exercise program would still be a component of your rehab.

What are the mobility equipment that you are authorized to do the application for?

• Walkers
• Rollators
• Manual wheelchair
• Power wheelchair
• Seating for wheelchair
• Power scooter.

Who can apply?

Any permanent resident of Ontario who has a valid Ontario Health card issued in their name, and has a chronic physical disability requiring the use of a pressure modification device for a minimum of six months.

ADP does not pay for equipment available under Workplace Safety & Insurance Board or to Group “A” Veterans for their pensioned conditions.

Who can sign my application form?

You are required to sign the application form. If you are unable to sign, someone who has the legal authority to act on your behalf may do so. This may be your spouse, parent, child or power of attorney.

How long will it take for ADP to review my application?

The time could vary based on the volume of application that they receive. But on an average it could take anywhere between 6-8 weeks.

How much money does ADP contribute?

ADP pays 75% of the ADP approved price to the registered vendor. You pay the remaining 25%. If you are receiving social assistance benefits under Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assistance to Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), ADP may pay 100 per cent of the ADP approved price.

Is there a warranty for my device?

The ADP Registered Vendor must warrant the device against breakage and/or tearing. There is a specific warranty for each type of device. Speak to the authorizer and/or vendor for details.

What if I have more questions about ADP?

To get more information with respect to the ADP assessment and application please contact us.

References:

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2. Halvarsson A, Dohrn IM, Ståhle A. Taking balance training for older adults one step further: the rationale for and a description of a proven balance training programme. Clin Rehabil. 2015 May;29(5):417-25.
3. Halvarsson, A., Roaldsen, K.S., Nilsen, P. et al.StayBalanced: implementation of
   evidence-based fall prevention balance training for older adults—cluster
   randomized controlled and hybrid type 3 trial. Trials 22, 166 (2021).
4. Howe TE, Rochester L, Neil F, Skelton DA< Ballinger C. Exercise for improving balance in older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 11.
5. Sherrington, C., Fairhall, N., Kwok, W. et al.Evidence on physical activity and falls
   prevention for people aged 65+ years: systematic review to inform the WHO
   guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 17, 144 (2020).
6. Madureira MM, Takayama L, Gallinaro AL, Caparbo VF, Costa RA, Pereira RM. Balance training program is highly effective in improving functional status and reducing the risk of falls in elderly women with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2007 Apr;18(4):419-25.
7. Cadore EL, Rodríguez-Mañas L, Sinclair A, Izquierdo M. Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review. Rejuvenation Res. 2013 Apr;16(2):105-14.
8. https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program