Fall Prevention

More than one in four adults 65 or older falls each year, and one fall doubles the chance of another. This page is for adults 50 and older. Exercise is recommended for community-dwelling adults 65 and older at increased risk. Broader changes are individualized because the net benefit is small. Under 50, use primary care. This is not a home inspection or a therapy appointment. No named provider has signed this draft.

Symptoms and questions to discuss

A fall or near fall in the past year, even without pain
Unsteadiness, a slower walk, or trouble rising from a chair
Dizziness on standing, foot pain, unsafe shoes, or vision changes

What we check

Falls and near falls in the past year, including falls without injury
Chair rise, walking, balance, feet, shoes, and medicines that cause dizziness
Vision concerns and the lights, rugs, and bathroom you describe
Whether exercise alone fits, or a broader plan should be individualized

Treatment options by class

Your provider reviews appropriate options and follow-up based on your assessment.

A clinic review of falls, walking, balance, and leg strength
Gait and balance exercise for adults 65 and older at increased risk
A medicine review for dizziness, without stopping a prescription on your own
A home-hazard list you use yourself, not a visit to the house

When we refer

Primary care assesses fall risk from age 50. Exercise and physical therapy are outside, and a request does not prove a therapist or coverage. Eye exams go to an eye-care provider. Possible fracture repair goes to orthopedics. Viva does not inspect the home. Vitamin D testing is outside. Under 50, use primary care. Head trauma, inability to get up, and sudden weakness need emergency care.

How increased risk is judged

Falls plus limited mobility mark higher risk. The visit reviews walking, balance, leg strength, vision, feet, shoes, and medicines that cause sleepiness or dizziness, including some nonprescription products. Low vitamin D is a listed risk. The 2024 falls recommendation does not address vitamin D pills. A level, if ordered, is an outside test. Memory testing is not part of this page.

Exercise, medicines, eyes, and home hazards

For adults 65 and older at home with higher risk, gait, balance, and function exercise has a moderate benefit. Tai chi is one example. A general target is at least 150 minutes a week. A broader plan is individualized because the benefit is small. Bring every bottle, and do not stop a prescribed medicine yourself. Have an eye check yearly. Bifocals can distort a step. Add light and secure rugs. Viva does not install grab bars, inspect the home, or do a full eye exam.

After a fall, and who rechecks the plan

If you fall, stay still. If you can rise safely, roll to your side and use a sturdy chair. If you are hurt or cannot get up, call 911. Tell your provider about every fall, even without pain. That provider reviews the plan after another fall, new dizziness, or a new medicine. Blood pressure may be checked lying and standing. A sent therapy request is not completed care.

Problems that bypass a balance visit

Call 911 for a head strike with confusion, repeated vomiting, one-sided weakness, face drooping, or trouble speaking. A head hit on a medicine that thins the blood needs same-day emergency care even if you feel well. Also call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, a deformed limb, or inability to bear weight. Do not save these for a fall visit. New weakness cannot wait.

Frequently asked questions

I was not hurt. Should I report the fall?

Yes. One fall doubles the chance of another. The visit looks for a changeable reason, such as medicines, vision, or blood pressure.

Does a vitamin D pill prevent falls?

The 2024 falls recommendation does not address vitamin D pills. Do not start one from this page. A level, if ordered, is outside.

Will Viva check my house?

No. Questions cover lights, rugs, stairs, and shoes. Viva does not inspect homes or install grab bars. Requested therapy is not a reserved time.

I am 58. Does the exercise advice apply?

You can be seen from age 50. That exercise recommendation starts at 65 with increased risk. Under 50, use primary care.

What if therapy never calls?

Call the Viva provider who sent the request. That provider keeps the interim plan. Head injury and new weakness still need 911.

Sources

Older Adult Falls Data — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Preventing Falls and Hip Fractures — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention — National Institute on Aging (NIH)
Falls Prevention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Interventions — U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Content approved by Viva Centers