Stay Steady,
Stay Safe
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, affecting mobility, independence, and overall well-being. At The Dizziness and Balance Center, we specialize in fall prevention strategies to help you regain confidence, reduce risks, and maintain an active lifestyle.
CONSEQUENCES OF A FALL:
Many people who fall, even if they're not injured, become fearful of falling. This fear may cause a person to limit their mobility and everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling again. A fall can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of independence. But the good news is that falls are preventable with the right interventions. After a fall, our Physical Therapists will help you to regain your confidence, possibly assess you for use of an assistive device to encourage safe mobility and establish a treatment plan that gets you back to your daily activities and improved quality of life.
Risks and Prevention
Good balance relies on a combination of three critical systems:
- Vision – Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can affect depth perception and stability.
- Vestibular System – The inner ear’s balance system can degenerate with age or be affected by disorders, leading to dizziness and imbalance.
- Proprioception – Sensory receptors in the feet and legs provide important feedback on movement and stability. Peripheral neuropathy can diminish this function, increasing the chance of a fall.
- Neurological conditions such as strokes and Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple medications (taking four or more significantly raises fall risk)
- Hazards in the home, inlcuding clutter, poor lighting, loose rugs and lack of supports such as grab bars in the shower or railings on steps,, can cause falls.
Research shows that fall prevention programs can significantly reduce fall risk. Experts recommend:
- Medication reviews to assess side effects that may cause dizziness.
- Annual eye exams to detect vision issues affecting balance.
- Home safety modifications to remove trip hazards and improve lighting.
- Physical activity programs focused on balance, strength, and flexibility.
At The Dizziness and Balance Center, we provide specialized evaluations to identify fall risks and create personalized treatment plans. Your first visit includes:
- Balance and gait analysis to assess movement patterns.
- Vision and mobility screening to detect stability challenges.
- Strength and flexibility evaluation to identify weaknesses.
- Positional testing to diagnose dizziness or vertigo triggers.
Your customized rehabilitation program may include:
- Balance and visual retraining to enhance stability.
- Vestibular therapy for dizziness and vertigo management.
- Canalith repositioning for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).
- A safe return to physical activity, including a walking program.
Take the Fall Prevention Quiz
Are you at risk for falls? Find out with our Fall Prevention Quiz! This quick assessment can help identify factors that may increase your fall risk and determine if professional intervention is needed.
Home Safety Tips to Prevent Falls
Making small adjustments in your home can significantly reduce your risk of falling. Follow these simple but effective safety measures to create a safer living environment.