Fall Prevention Assessments
Fall Prevention Assessments at UVM Health
Falls are the top cause of injury in older adults, with one in four adults over 65 falling each year. One in five falls leads to a severe injury, such as head trauma or a broken bone.
Falling is not a normal part of aging. Improving your physical fitness and learning how to prevent falls can significantly reduce your risk of injuries.
Why Choose UVM Health?
At University of Vermont Health, our physical and occupational therapists offer comprehensive fall risk assessments and prevention programs. We work with you to identify all possible causes of falls and help you avoid future falls.
As one of the leading rehabilitation programs in the region, we offer:
- Convenient care: We offer fall prevention rehabilitation services in multiple locations throughout Vermont and northern New York. No matter where you live, you have access to expert care.
- Specialized skills: Our physical and occupational therapists have specialized training and experience in fall prevention. As an academic health system, we commit to high-quality treatment, continually bringing you the latest techniques and tools.
- Patient-centered treatment: We listen to your concerns and create care plans customized to your goals. We work to make sure you understand your treatment and feel equipped to actively participate.
Fall Risk Factors
All older adults have a risk of falling. But some people have risk factors that make them more likely to fall, including:
- Balance or walking problems
- Home hazards, such as uneven stairs or throw rugs
- Lower body weakness
- Medications that cause drowsiness or affect balance
- Vision problems
- Vitamin D deficiencies
Fall Prevention Resources
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be at risk of a fall, explore our Fall Prevention Guide.
What to Expect
During your first appointment, you will meet with a physical therapist or occupational therapist who will physically examine you and take your health history. They will ask about previous falls to start pinpointing possible causes. You and your therapist will discuss any fears of falling and risks in your home environment.
You will then complete tests that assess your:
- Balance
- Cognitive abilities
- Gait
- Range of motion
- Sensory abilities
- Strength
- Vision
Fall-risk assessments can last from one to three hours. You may want to bring a snack. Please also bring:
- A current medication list
- Any assistive devices you use, such as a cane or walker
- The shoes you wear most frequently
After your assessment, our therapists will develop an individualized treatment plan to lower your fall risk. Your treatment plan may include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance exercises
- Energy conservation techniques
- Memory strategies
We share this plan with your primary care provider and any other doctor you’d like us to communicate with.
Patient Resources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Older Adult Fall Prevention: Helpful resources from the CDC to keep you safe.
Locations near you
1110 Prim Road
Colchester, VT 05446
108 Catamount Park
Middlebury, VT 05753
66 Park Street
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
39 Farrell Road
Willsboro, NY 12996
101 Adirondack Drive
Suite 1
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
790 College Parkway
Colchester, VT 05446-3007
792 College Parkway
Fanny Campus, MOB, Suites 101 & 201
Colchester, VT 05446-3052
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-1438
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Shepardson North, Level 2
Burlington, VT 05401
244 Granger Road
Berlin, VT 05602
