Fall Risk and Balance Screening

Most falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Identify your individual fall-risk and balance factors to prevent future falls, stay active, and stay independent.

Fall Risk Factors

  • Previous falls and fear of falling (even in the absence of previous falls) can contribute to loss of confidence, reduction in physical and social activities, hesitancy and tentativeness, loss of mobility and independence, and depression.

  • Fall risk is increased by medications which act on the central nervous system, such as those used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

  • Low or impaired vision, a change to vision, or vision affected by medication can increase the risk of falls.

  • Foot pain can affect walking and make it more difficult to stay active and independent. Foot problems can also be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as diabetes, circulation issues, or nerve problems. Some types of footwear can also increase the risk of falls.

  • Incontinence, urinary frequency, and assisted toileting are fall risk factors as problems with bowel and bladder control can impact one’s ability to stay active, healthy, and independent.

  • Decreased physical activity can contribute to sarcopenia (muscle wasting) causing decreased muscle mass, strength, and power. Reaction time, coordination, and bone health can all diminish with decreased physical activity as well.

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors including use of medicines, vision problems, foot pain or poor footwear, vitamin D deficiency, lower body weakness, walking and balance difficulties, and trip or slip hazards in the home.

Impacts of Falls

  • Even non-injurious falls can cause fear of falling, and this fear often contributes to decreased activity and weakness. This cycle is likely why having a fall doubles the chance of falling again.

  • More than 1 out of 4 seniors (65 or older) falls each year, and 1 out of 5 falls causes a serious injury such as a broken bone, head injury, hospitalization, and even disability. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own.

  • Each year about $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million is spent related to fatal falls.

More than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year. The risk of falling rises with age, as does the fear of falling and the rate of fall-related problems. This can have significant negative impact on health, wellness, and quality of life.

The Balance System

  • Sensory Input

    Our visual, somatosensory (stretch, pressure, vibration, and touch sensors in muscles, tendons, joints and skin), and vestibular (balance organs in the inner ear) systems provide information to the brain about our environment, body position, and movement.

  • Central Processing

    Sensory information travels to and is prioritized and sorted in the brain stem. The brain stem then sends messages to the eyes and body to move in a way to maintain balance and have clear vision during movement.

  • Muscular Output

    Messages from the brain stem travel through the nervous system to muscles to create responses for stability of our bodies and vision.