Falls Prevention and Assessment
What Is It?
Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65 years and older. Annual falls affect 30% of community-dwelling older adults. Consequences include fractures (hip, wrist, spine), head trauma, and loss of independence.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Fall history (number, circumstances, injuries), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait and balance assessment, medication review (polypharmacy, sedatives, antihypertensives), orthostatic blood pressure, vision screening, cognitive screen.
How Is It Treated?
Exercise programs (balance training, tai chi, strength training). Home safety modifications. Vitamin D supplementation. Medication deprescribing (reduce fall-risk medications). Treat underlying conditions (orthostatic hypotension, cataracts, neuropathy). Physical therapy.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
TUG test, CBC, BMP, TSH, vitamin D, B12, glucose, orthostatic BP measurements, vision exam referral, bone density (DEXA) if prior fall with fracture.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. DEXA: $100-$200. Fall risk assessment: included in visit. Physical therapy: varies.