Assess Your Fall Risk and Poor Balance: A Questionnaire from Joel J. Digris, Physical Therapist
Hello! I’m Joel J. Digris, a physical therapist with Achieva Rehabilitation’s In-Home Physical Therapy Program. As we age, our risk of falling increases, and falls can lead to serious injuries. Did you know that one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year? And, unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.
At Achieva Rehabilitation, we are committed to helping you stay safe, mobile, and independent. To determine if you might be at risk of falling, I’ve prepared a short questionnaire. Answering these questions can help you identify potential balance and fall risk issues that may need to be addressed with physical therapy.
Fall Risk and Poor Balance Questionnaire
Have you fallen in the past year?
Yes
No
Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
Yes
No
Do you worry about falling?
Yes
No
Do you need to use your hands to rise from a chair?
Yes
No
Do you use a cane, walker, or any assistive device for walking?
Yes
No
Do you have trouble stepping up onto a curb or climbing stairs?
Yes
No
Do you often need to hold onto furniture or walls for balance?
Yes
No
Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up from a sitting or lying position?
Yes
No
Have you noticed a decrease in your ability to engage in activities you enjoy due to balance or mobility issues?
Yes
No
Do you have a fear of falling that limits your daily activities?
Yes
No
Interpreting Your Results
If you answered “Yes” to three or more of these questions, you might be at a higher risk of falling and could benefit from a physical therapy evaluation. Here are some standard tests that support the identification of high fall risk:
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Measures the time it takes to rise from a chair, walk 10 feet, return, and sit down. A time greater than 12 seconds suggests a high fall risk.
Berg Balance Scale: Assesses your ability to perform various activities such as standing on one foot or reaching forward. A score below 45 out of 56 indicates a higher risk of falling.
Five Times Sit to Stand Test: Measures the time it takes to stand up and sit down five times. A time greater than 15 seconds is associated with a higher fall risk.
Next Steps
If you find that you are at risk, don’t wait until a fall occurs. Our in-home physical therapy program can provide you with personalized exercises and interventions designed to improve your balance, strength, and confidence. At Achieva Rehabilitation, we work one-on-one with you, with no distractions, to help you regain your mobility and enjoy life to the fullest.
Stay safe and take care,
Joel J. Digris, Physical Therapist
Achieva Rehabilitation's In-Home Physical Therapy Program
888-929-7677
Click HERE for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program
Comments