Fall Prevention

What to Tell Your Doctor

If you know the person you care for has a risk of falling, take the first step in prevention by going to see their doctor. Take a list of all their medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) with you, or bring the medicines with you. Also, if the person has fallen, write down the details for the doctor.

Describe the Fall

  • Describe when and where the person fell.
  • What led to the fall? A slippery floor, a pet running in front of them, failure to see a step? Did the person become dizzy, lose balance or knee gave out?
  • Describe any injuries (e.g., bump or cut on the head, pulled muscle, bruises).
  • Describe any times when the person almost fell but was able to hold onto something and avoided falling.

The Person’s Health

Tell the doctor if:

  • The person has trouble seeing or hearing.
  • The person has trouble walking or loses their balance.
  • The person has joint pain, numbness in the feet or legs.
  • The person has trouble remembering where they are or what they are doing.
  • The person has complained of dizziness or lightheadedness.

BACK TO TOP