Falls clinic assessment overview

Overview

A falls clinic assessment is a thorough check-up to find out why you might be at risk of falling and what can be done to prevent falls. It helps you and your healthcare team create a plan to stay safe and independent.

Yes, falls are very common, especially as people get older. About 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 fall every year, but many falls can be avoided with the right support.

Falls can happen to anyone, but falls clinics mainly help older adults, people with balance problems, those who have had a fall before, and people with long-term conditions like Parkinson's or arthritis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling unsteady on your feet
• Having weak or wobbly legs
• Getting dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up
• Trouble walking or needing to hold onto furniture

Symptoms in children

• Frequent falls that seem unusual for their age
• Clumsiness that affects daily activities
• Difficulty keeping up with other children at play

Symptoms in older adults

• Falls or near-falls more than once in the past year
• Fear of falling that makes you avoid going out
• Trouble getting up from a chair or walking without help

Causes

Main causes

• Muscle weakness, especially in your legs
• Poor balance or problems with walking
• Blurred vision or eye conditions
• Side effects from medicines that cause dizziness or drowsiness
• Hazards at home like loose rugs, poor lighting, or clutter

Risk factors

• Being 65 years or older
• Having fallen before
• Long-term health problems like diabetes, Parkinson's, or arthritis
• Taking four or more different medicines
• Wearing poorly fitting shoes or slippers

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have fallen and injured yourself, especially if you hit your head
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded often, or you faint
• You have sudden weakness or trouble walking that is new

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have fallen more than once in the past year
• You are worried about falling – even if you haven’t fallen yet
• You feel unsteady or have trouble getting around

Diagnosis

A falls clinic assessment is performed by a team of health professionals, such as a doctor, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist. They will ask about your health, any falls, and check how you move and balance.

Tests that may be done

• Balance tests, like standing with your eyes closed or on one foot
• Walking tests to see how steady you are
• Checking your vision, blood pressure when you stand up, and leg strength
• Review of all your medicines to see if any could cause dizziness
• Discussion about your home environment

What to expect at your appointment

The assessment usually takes about an hour. The team will be friendly and encourage you to try simple tasks in a safe space. No needles or special preparation needed. Afterwards, they will explain what they found and suggest next steps.

Treatment

Treatment is personalised and focuses on reducing your risk of falling. It often includes exercises to improve strength and balance, changes to your home, and adjustments to medicines. The goal is to help you feel steady and confident.

Self-care at home

• Do balance exercises like standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe
• Remove loose rugs, clutter, and fix uneven flooring at home
• Wear shoes that fit well and have non-slip soles (avoid slippers)
• Use handrails on stairs and grab bars in the bathroom
• Keep your home well-lit, especially hallways and stairs

Medical treatments

Your doctor may adjust medicines that make you dizzy or cause low blood pressure. They might refer you to physiotherapy for strength and balance exercises, or to an occupational therapist to make your home safer. Vision problems can be treated with glasses or surgery if needed. Any underlying health issues, like blood pressure or diabetes, will be managed to reduce fall risk. No specific medicines are recommended universally – your plan is tailored just for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for fall prevention itself, but you might be offered surgery for vision problems like cataracts, or for joint replacements that improve mobility. These are discussed in another setting.

Living with this condition

Living with a higher risk of falls means being mindful but not fearful. Stay active with safe activities, arrange your home so you can move easily, and tell someone if you feel unsteady. Falls clinics give you tools to manage this well.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid rushing – take your time getting up from a chair or bed
• Keep regularly used items within easy reach without bending or stretching
• Use a walking aid if your therapist recommends one
• Have regular eye tests every year or two

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones. Good sources include milk, yoghurt, leafy greens, and sunlight (in moderation). Do balance and strength exercises like tai chi, yoga, or simple leg raises – ask your physiotherapist for a safe program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Fear of falling can make you avoid activities and feel lonely or anxious. It is important to talk about these feelings with your healthcare team. Staying socially active and getting support can help you feel more confident.

Prevention

Yes, many falls can be prevented. The falls clinic assessment is a key step in prevention. Simple changes in your home, regular exercise, and managing health conditions can reduce your risk a lot.

Screening programmes

Your doctor may screen for fall risk during check-ups if you are over 65 or have had a fall. You can ask about a falls clinic assessment if you are worried.

Complications

If left untreated

• Broken bones, especially in the hip, wrist, or spine
• Head injuries or brain bleeds from hitting your head
• Loss of confidence and independence, leading to less activity
• Long-term pain or disability

Long-term outlook

The outlook is positive. With a falls clinic assessment and the right follow-up, most people can reduce their fall risk, stay safe, and keep doing the things they enjoy. You can live well and independently.

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