What happens before a falls prevention programme?

The assessment may include how you stand, turn, rise from a chair, use stairs, and walk with or without an aid. The clinician may ask about previous falls, dizziness, vision, foot problems, footwear, sleep, and fear of falling. They may review medicines or health conditions that affect alertness, blood pressure, strength, or balance. Questions about your home can identify loose rugs, poor lighting, awkward steps, and bathroom risks. The aim is to find changeable hazards and choose exercises that match your ability.

Bring a list of medicines, information about recent falls, and any walking aid you normally use. Wear comfortable clothes and secure shoes so movement can be observed safely. Tell the therapist about pain, faintness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty hearing instructions. A family member or carer can help describe routines and home hazards. Follow the agreed plan for strength, balance, transfers, and environmental changes. A programme may be especially relevant after Hip Fracture Surgery, but the assessment should still be individualised.

Seek urgent care after a fall if you have severe pain, a new deformity, head injury symptoms, new weakness, confusion, or cannot stand or bear weight. Prompt medical review is needed for repeated fainting, new chest pain, severe breathlessness, or sudden loss of coordination. Pause exercises and contact the clinician if an activity causes marked dizziness, chest symptoms, or unexpected weakness.

Ask which factors raise your personal fall risk, whether medicines or vision need review, which home changes matter first, and how progress will be measured. Ask when to use a walking aid and what symptoms mean you should stop an exercise.