6 simple ways to prevent falls
By Intermountain Healthcare
Sep 26, 2019
Updated Nov 17, 2023
5 min read
Falls are common for many reasons as we age.
Weston Lindsay, a physical therapist with Intermountain Homecare has these suggestions to help older adults know if they’re at risk for falling and help reduce their risk
A homecare visit can assess the risk for falling in your home and recommend ways to reduce your risk.
There are several tests that can be performed in the home that help determine the likelihood of a fall. Intermountain Homecare caregivers can evaluate your home and recommend things that can be done to improve safety.
When you’re walking, your body is designed to have your nose and toes face the same direction and be parallel. That helps all three balance centers communicate with the brain and reduce your risk of falling.
Physical therapists can help teach you exercises to improve balance, strength, and endurance, which can reduce fall risk.
Physical therapists can help train you to use equipment safely.
A fall risk assessment can be arranged by contacting your physician and having them write a prescription or referral for one. Then contact Homecare with the referral and they can set up a time to come and visit.
Insurance will typically cover the cost of visits if you meet some basic criteria. Medicare, for example, requires that you have a physician referral and you’re homebound. Check with your insurance provider to see what will be covered. It depends on whether the insurance provider deems the visit or equipment as medically necessary.