What a fall means

Fall

A fall is an unplanned drop to the ground or a lower level. It can happen from a trip, a slip, weakness, dizziness or an unsafe surface at home.

One fall may cause only a fright, but others lead to bruises, fractures or a fear of moving.

This matters because falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and a serious fall can quickly reduce independence.

Many falls can be prevented. Physiotherapy does not remove every risk, but it addresses the causes we can change.

At home our physiotherapist checks balance, leg strength and walking, and looks for hazards in the home. We build a plan to make standing and walking steadier, and teach safe ways to move, so the person can stay active with more confidence.