Does a physiotherapy perform falls prevention programme?

A falls prevention assessment looks at factors that affect safe movement, such as leg strength, balance reactions, walking pattern, transfers from a chair and confidence on different surfaces. The physiotherapist may ask about previous falls, dizziness, footwear, vision and the activities you want to keep doing. Training can include strengthening, stepping, turning, reaching, balance challenges and practice with a walking aid. Advice may also cover safer ways to rise, use stairs and organise frequently used items. A family member or carer can sometimes learn how to support practice without pulling or rushing you.

Share a clear history of slips, trips, near-falls and any fear of falling. Bring your usual walking aid and wear the shoes you commonly use. Keep practice areas clear, use stable support as instructed and avoid doing balance exercises alone if the therapist says supervision is needed. Ask whether medicines, dizziness or vision changes should be reviewed by another clinician. Build exercises into ordinary routines, such as controlled sit-to-stand practice, only after learning the technique. Tell the therapist when a task feels unsafe so it can be simplified.

Seek urgent medical help after a fall causing severe pain, a visible deformity, head injury, loss of consciousness, new confusion, inability to stand, or inability to move a limb normally. Get prompt assessment for new one-sided weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, chest pain or severe breathlessness. Report repeated falls, new dizziness or a sudden change in walking to a clinician even when no injury is obvious.

What may be contributing to my falls? Which exercises need supervision? Is my walking aid adjusted correctly? Should my vision, medicines or dizziness be assessed? How can someone at home support practice safely?