Holding onto furniture while walking, avoiding stairs, or worrying about another fall are concerns worth discussing at a medical visit. Fall-risk screening helps older adults and their healthcare providers identify reasons they may be more likely to fall and decide what to address next. You do not need to wait for an injury to start that conversation.
Summit Health Family & Urgent Care includes fall-risk and mobility assessments in its geriatric care services in Haltom City. The aim is to support safer movement and continued independence.
Screening usually begins with a few questions. The CDC's STEADI approach asks about falls during the past year, feeling unsteady when standing or walking, and concern about falling. A positive answer can lead to a more detailed assessment.
Screening and assessment serve different purposes. Screening identifies a possible concern; assessment explores the factors behind it. The result is not a prediction that a fall will happen. It is information your provider can use to plan practical next steps.
The CDC recommends yearly fall-risk screening for community-dwelling adults 65 and older, with reassessment when a fall occurs. Bring it up sooner if your walking changes or you start feeling less secure on your feet.
Explain what has changed in ordinary terms: perhaps getting out of a chair feels harder, or you now avoid walking to the mailbox alone. If you have fallen, describe where it happened, what you were doing, and whether you were injured. Details about daily life help make the visit useful.
A provider may watch you stand, walk, turn, or maintain a standing position. Examples in the CDC's clinical toolkit include the Timed Up and Go test, a chair-stand assessment, and a staged balance test. The choice depends on your abilities and clinical needs.
These activities should be supervised when balance is a concern. You do not need to practice a difficult test alone before your appointment.
A review may consider vision, foot problems, long-term health conditions, and medicines that affect alertness or balance. Blood pressure may also be checked in different positions when appropriate. MedlinePlus describes how several factors can contribute at the same time.
If you receive ongoing care for chronic conditions, share changes in mobility with that team. Do not change prescribed medication yourself because you suspect it affects your balance.
The visit may include questions about lighting, stairs, floor clutter, footwear, and bathroom safety. These details matter because an assessment should connect with the places where you spend your day, not just how you move across an examination room.
Tell the office when booking that you want to discuss balance or falls. That helps make the reason for your appointment clear from the start.
Your plan should reflect the concerns found during the assessment. It may include a physical therapy referral, appropriate strength and balance activities, a medication review, or evaluation of vision or foot problems. Ask which action to prioritize and when to follow up.
The CDC's fall-prevention guidance also recommends reducing trip hazards, improving lighting, and considering appropriate bathroom grab bars and stair handrails. Discuss changes that fit your home and abilities. A prevention plan should help you remain active safely.
Yes. Unsteadiness or fear of falling can be useful reasons for assessment even without a previous fall.
No. Dizziness can require a separate medical evaluation. Describe when it happens and any accompanying symptoms rather than assuming it is only a balance problem.
Not automatically. Ask your provider what activity is appropriate and whether supervised exercise or an assistive device would help.
Bring balance concerns to your next primary care visit. To arrange a geriatric appointment, contact Summit Health in Haltom City and explain the changes you have noticed.
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Our practice is here to support your healthcare needs. If you have questions about services, need to schedule an appointment, or would like to speak with our team.
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