By Aleisha Theisen, PTA and NBC-HWC
Fight the Fall shines a spotlight on one of the most common, and most preventable, health concerns for older adults: falls.
Most fall-prevention lists include the usual suspects like removing throw rugs and installing grab bars. Those are important, but there are less obvious hazards inside and outside your home that can increase your risk as well. Awareness is key, and adding a free screening at our clinic to your to-do list can help you determine if your balance is where it should be.
At FYZICAL-Forest Grove, our PTs specialize in treating dizziness and balance problems as well as other physical therapy needs. Every day we see how small environmental tweaks, paired with the right balance training, can make a major difference in preventing falls.
Here are some unexpected ways you can improve your safety and fight the fall:
1.) Get The Right Glasses
Did you know that bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses can increase the risk of tripping and falling? For some people they may be necessary, but it’s important to know these lenses can make it harder to judge depth and distance, especially on stairs or curbs.
It may be worth asking your eye doctor if a pair of single-vision lenses would be safer for you in certain situations.
2.) Safety-Proof Your Stairs
Falls on stairs can cause major injuries. Prevention tips include:
* Adding brightly colored or reflective tape to stair edges to increase contrast
* Having sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs
* Installing lights (solar lights are a quick and easy option) along the sides of
steps, especially outdoors
3.) Check Outdoor Surfaces
Your driveway, patio, or garden path may seem sturdy, but moss, wet leaves, and gravel can make surfaces treacherous. Seasonal changes in the Pacific Northwest only add to the risk.
Walk your property periodically with a critical eye, and if needed:
* Sweep away debris.
* Power wash slippery decks and sidewalks.
* Add textured, slip-resistant mats at entryways.
* Fill in uneven spots in the yard.
* If you use a garden hose, consider getting a brightly colored one that
contrasts with the landscape instead of, say, a green one that could blend in and become a tripping hazard.
4.) Revisit Furniture Layout
Your living room may look cozy, but is it easy to move through it without difficulty? Clutter, sharp corners, and narrow pathways increase the chance of tripping.
A few quick adjustments can help:
* Make sure there’s a clear, wide path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
* Leave space to walk around coffee tables and ottomans.
* Avoid purchasing low-profile furniture that’s easy to bump into in low light.
5.) Mind Your Lighting
Having the right kind of light is key. Motion-activated nightlights and outdoor lights can reduce disorientation and make obstacles easier to see.
Change burned-out bulbs right away and make sure they are bright enough to see the path clearly.
6.) Don’t Overlook Medical Causes Of Dizziness
Not all falls are caused by tripping hazards. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and other inner ear disorders, low blood pressure, and medication side effects can cause sudden imbalance, lightheadedness, dizziness, or spinning sensations. Left untreated, these issues can dramatically increase your fall risk.
The good news? Many causes of dizziness are highly treatable. For example, BPPV can often be resolved in just a few sessions of targeted maneuvers led by a specialized physical therapist. Many other types of inner ear-related balance deficits often respond well to vestibular therapy. Talking to your doctor about your medications can lead to adjustments that reduce side effects.
If you’ve noticed unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or unexplained dizziness, don’t assume it’s just “part of getting older.” Getting tested and treated can restore confidence in your balance and prevent injuries.
How FYZICAL-Forest Grove Can Help
Even with the safest home, your balance system needs to be strong to help you safely navigate your environment. That’s where our staff comes in. At FYZICAL-Forest Grove, our physical therapists provide:
* Comprehensive balance assessments to measure stability and identify fall risks
* Specialized testing and treatment for numerous causes of dizziness, vertigo (including BPPV), balance issues,
and other vestibular conditions
* Targeted strength and mobility programs to help you move with ease
Falling is not an inevitable part of aging. With the right prevention strategies at home, and support from professionals who understand the complexity of balance, you can stay active, independent, and safe.
Want to know your fall risk? Call FYZICAL-Forest Grove today at 503-357-1706 to schedule a balance screening during Fight the Fall Month.
Aleisha Theisen is a physical therapist assistant and a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sources:
Lord, Stephen R. PhD, DSc1,2∗; Ivers, Rebecca MPH, PhD2; Cameron, Ian D. MBBS, PhD3; Lee, Bonsan B. MBBS, PhD4; Haran, Mark MBBS, MHSM5. Fall rates in bifocal, trifocal, and progressive addition lens glasses wearers. Optometry and Vision Science 102(2):p 106-109, February 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002218
Hammond T, Wilson A. Polypharmacy and falls in the elderly: a literature review. Nurs Midwifery Stud. 2013 Jun;2(2):171-5. doi: 10.5812/nms.10709. Epub 2013 Jun 27. PMID: 25414854; PMCID: PMC4228551.