One out of three adults over the age of 65 will experience a fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of serious injury in older adults and frequently result in loss of independence. Johns Hopkins rehabilitation team at Sibley Memorial Hospital has developed a comprehensive program for people with gait and balance disorders. We also have therapists throughout our rehabilitation network who specialize in falls prevention and rehabilitation. They will thoroughly evaluate your needs and customize a treatment program to reduce your risk of falling and improve your balance. A physician prescription is required for the initial evaluation.

Who Can Benefit From Fall Prevention

Loss of balance and mobility, while not inevitable, do increase with age. Some of the symptoms of balance disorders are:

• History of falls
• Loss of strength in legs and feet
• Trouble getting up from a chair or bed
• A feeling of unsteadiness

If you or your loved one experience these symptoms, rehabilitation can help reduce falls and increase independence.

How We Approach Fall Prevention

Possible evaluation and intervention tools our therapists use may include:

• Balance systems
• Gait and postural analysis
• Strength and flexibility testing
• Fall prevention education for reducing fall risks at home
• Instruction for a tailored home exercise program
• Recommendation for the use of assistive devices