​Fall Prevention Interventions Start With Primary Care

Falls can happen at any age, but injury risk can increase as we get older. Changes in strength, balance, vision, medications, and certain health conditions can all affect fall risk. You can identify and address many of these risk factors before a fall occurs. Your primary care provider can help you understand your individual risks and recommend steps to support your safety, mobility, and independence.

Whether you have experienced a fall, had a recent near-fall, or noticed changes in your balance or walking, talking with your primary care provider is a good place to start.

Why Falls Become More Concerning With Age

Falls can become more concerning as we age because changes in bone strength, muscle strength, balance, vision, and overall health can increase injury risk. A fall can result in injuries such as bruises, sprains, or fractures and may affect a person’s ability to complete everyday activities independently. Even a fall that does not cause a serious injury can affect confidence and lead to concerns about falling again.

Fear of falling may make some people less active. Over time, reduced activity can contribute to loss of strength and balance. Talking with your healthcare provider about falls, near-falls, or changes in mobility can help identify ways to stay active and reduce your risk.

How Primary Care Helps Create Fall Prevention Interventions

​Routine primary care visits are an opportunity to talk about changes that may affect your risk of falling. Your provider may ask whether you have fallen or nearly fallen, feel unsteady when walking or standing, or have noticed changes in your strength or balance.

Your provider can also review factors that may contribute to fall risk, including medications, vision, hearing, blood pressure, health conditions, physical activity, and the use of assistive devices. Based on your needs, your provider can recommend steps to reduce your risk and determine whether additional evaluation, physical therapy, or other specialized care may help.

Key Factors Your Provider Will Discuss

​Fall risk often depends on several factors rather than a single cause. Your primary care provider may review:

• ​Medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blood pressure changes that may increase fall risk.
• Vision and hearing: Changes in eyesight or hearing can make it more difficult to safely navigate your surroundings.
• Strength and balance: Muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or changes in balance can increase fall risk.
• Previous falls or near-falls: When and where a fall happened can provide helpful information about possible risk factors.
• Blood pressure: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing may be related to changes in blood pressure.
• Foot or mobility concerns: Pain, numbness, changes in walking, or difficulty using an assistive device can also affect stability.

Be open with your provider about any falls, near-falls, dizziness, or changes in your mobility, even if they seem minor. This information can help guide recommendations based on your individual needs.

The Role of Exercise, Footwear, and Assistive Devices

​Staying physically active can help maintain the strength, balance, and flexibility needed for everyday movement. Depending on your health and mobility, your provider may recommend activities that focus on strength and balance or refer you to physical therapy for additional support.

Footwear can also affect stability. Choose shoes that fit well, provide support, and have nonslip soles. Avoid footwear that makes it harder to walk safely or increases your risk of slipping or tripping. For some people, a cane, walker, or other assistive device may provide additional stability. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can help determine whether a device may help and ensure it is properly fitted and used safely.

How Health Conditions Can Contribute to Fall Risk

​Certain health conditions can affect balance, strength, sensation, or mobility and may increase fall risk. For example, changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up. Diabetes and other conditions may affect sensation in the feet, while neurological or joint conditions can affect balance, coordination, or the way you walk. Vision problems, foot pain, and other health changes may also increase fall risk.

Managing these conditions is an important part of fall prevention. Your primary care provider can consider how your health conditions, medications, and symptoms may interact and determine whether changes to your care or additional support are appropriate.

When a Home Safety Assessment May Help

Your home environment can also affect your risk of falling. Common hazards include loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, and stairs without secure handrails.

Simple changes can make it easier to move safely through your home. These may include improving lighting, clearing walkways, securing or removing loose rugs, adding grab bars in appropriate areas, or installing handrails on stairs.

If you have experienced falls, have difficulty moving safely around your home, or have several fall risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether a home safety assessment or other support may be appropriate.

Falls Are Not Just a Normal Part of Aging

​Although fall risk can increase with age, falls should not be accepted as a normal part of getting older. Many factors that contribute to falls can be identified and addressed. Tell your primary care provider if you have fallen, nearly fallen, feel unsteady, or have noticed changes in your balance or walking. Even a near-fall can provide important information about your risk.

Family members and caregivers can also help by noticing changes in mobility, helping identify possible hazards at home, and encouraging conversations about fall prevention. Working together with your healthcare team can help support safe movement, confidence, and independence.

Start Fall Prevention Interventions With Your Primary Care Provider

​You don't have to wait for a fall to talk about fall prevention. If you have experienced a fall or near-fall, feel unsteady, or have noticed changes in your strength, balance, or mobility, talk with your primary care provider.

At Augusta Health, primary care can help identify factors that may increase your risk of falling and recommend steps based on your individual health and needs. This may include reviewing medications and health conditions, discussing physical activity, or connecting you with additional services when appropriate. Call 540-324-9217 or visit our website to find an Augusta Health primary care provider near you.