Preparing for Your Falls Clinic Appointment
Your falls clinic appointment is a collaboration between you and a team of specialists. Proper preparation can make your visit more productive and ensure the team has a complete picture of your health.
What to bring with you
- A comprehensive medication list: Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Note the dosage, frequency, and reason for each medication. Some medications can cause dizziness or instability.
- Eyeglasses and hearing aids: If you use them, bring them so the team can assess your functional vision and hearing.
- Footwear: Wear or bring the shoes you most often use for walking, as your footwear is an important factor in balance.
- A family member or friend: A loved one can provide additional insight into your daily activities, any recent falls, and your general mobility. They can also help remember the details of the evaluation.
- A journal of your falls: Document the circumstances of any recent falls, including the date, time, location, and what you think may have caused the incident.
The Comprehensive Evaluation at the Clinic
When you arrive at the falls clinic, you will meet with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to understanding and addressing your specific fall risk factors. The evaluation is thorough and aims to identify the root causes of any instability.
Medical and medication review
One of the first steps is a detailed review of your medical history and medications. A geriatrician or specialist nurse will ask about any chronic conditions, previous injuries, or recent health changes. They will pay close attention to any medications that could affect your balance or blood pressure.
Physical assessment
This is a hands-on part of the evaluation where a physical therapist or other specialist will assess your physical capabilities. The assessment typically includes:
- Gait and balance analysis: You may be asked to walk in a straight line, turn, and stand on one leg to assess your stability.
- Strength testing: The team will test the strength in your legs, ankles, and core, as muscular weakness is a significant fall risk factor.
- Vision and hearing screening: Your functional sight and hearing will be checked, as impairments in these areas can impact balance.
- Orthostatic blood pressure check: The team will measure your blood pressure both sitting and standing to check for drops that could cause dizziness.
Home safety assessment
While the evaluation is done at the clinic, the team will want to discuss your home environment. An occupational therapist may ask about potential hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or a lack of grab bars. In some cases, a home visit may be recommended to provide more detailed recommendations.
Comparison: Falls Clinic vs. Standard Doctor's Visit
| Feature | Falls Clinic | Standard Doctor's Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment and management of fall risk factors. | General health check-up, potentially addressing falls as one of many concerns. |
| Team | Geriatrician, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Nurse. | General Practitioner or Family Doctor. |
| Assessment | Extensive gait analysis, balance tests, functional strength, home safety discussion, medication review specific to fall risk. | Limited physical exam; relies more on patient-reported information. |
| Treatment Plan | Detailed, personalized, multi-faceted plan addressing strength, balance, medications, and environment. | May offer general advice; often results in a referral to a specialist. |
| Time | Dedicated, longer appointment focused solely on fall prevention. | Typically shorter, focused on multiple health issues. |
Developing a Personalized Falls Prevention Plan
After the evaluation, the team will meet to discuss their findings and create a personalized treatment plan for you. This is the most crucial part of the visit, and it is tailored to your specific needs.
- Customized exercise program: This may involve physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
- Medication adjustments: The clinic's pharmacist may recommend changes to your medication regimen to reduce side effects that increase fall risk.
- Home modifications: You may receive a list of recommended home modifications, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, or removing tripping hazards.
- Education and resources: The team will provide you with information and resources to help you continue your falls prevention efforts at home.
Following Up and Staying Proactive
Your first visit is the start of a journey toward greater independence and safety. You will typically have a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. It is vital to actively engage with your plan and communicate any changes or new challenges to your care team.
Taking steps to prevent falls is one of the most effective ways to maintain your quality of life as you age. The comprehensive, expert care you receive at a falls clinic is an invaluable tool in this effort. For more information on falls prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Conclusion: Your Step Toward Greater Independence
A falls clinic visit is not about acknowledging frailty but about embracing a proactive approach to healthy aging. By leveraging the expertise of a specialized team, you can address potential risks, build a stronger foundation for mobility, and gain the confidence to live more fully and independently. The time invested in this thorough assessment is a powerful investment in your long-term health and well-being.
