Fall Risk & Mobility

Supporting Senior Safety and Independence at mediDental care

As we age, our bodies change—balance becomes more delicate, strength diminishes, and the risk of falls increases. Older people and older individuals often experience difficulty and difficulties with mobility, gait, and daily activities, especially when managing multiple chronic conditions. Generally, it is best to start working with a geriatrics professional when these challenges begin to impact daily life or independence. At mediDental care, we offer comprehensive fall risk and mobility assessments as part of our specialized geriatric care services in Astoria. Our goal is to help older adults maintain independence, prevent injuries, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65. Early assessment provides the benefit of identifying risk factors and implementing interventions, and research shows that proactive fall prevention significantly reduces injuries. Falls result in serious injuries such as hip fractures and deaths among older people. The American Geriatrics Society and other geriatrics experts recommend individualized care plans tailored to each person’s needs to maximize safety and well-being. But with the right prevention plan, they’re also one of the most avoidable.

Why Fall Risk & Mobility Assessments Matter

Many falls are preventable—but only if the risks are identified early. Assessments help identify risk factors that contribute to increased risk of falls in older adults. Our fall and mobility assessments provide insights into a patient’s physical stability, muscle strength, joint function, and environmental risks. Specific tests are used to determine if a patient is at high risk for falling. Healthcare providers use the results to guide interventions, management, and education for fall prevention.

Benefits of Assessment:

• Prevent serious injuries like fractures and head trauma
• Preserve independence and confidence in daily activities
• Detect early signs of balance or neurological issues
• Guide therapy, home modifications, or assistive device use
• Reduce hospitalizations and long-term care placement

Our assessments are evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized.

Who Should Get Assessed?

Fall and mobility assessments are beneficial for:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Patients who have fallen or have a history of falls or near-falls
• Patients with dementia or other mental or cognitive impairments
• Individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, Parkinson’s, stroke)
• Patients on multiple medications (which may cause dizziness)
• Individuals with disability or chronic pain affecting mobility
• Seniors experiencing fear of falling or loss of confidence in movement
• Seniors experiencing balance issues, fatigue, or leg weakness

We also recommend annual evaluations as part of a proactive aging plan.

Our Comprehensive Fall Risk & Mobility Assessment Includes:

At mediDental care, we use standardized tools and hands-on evaluations to assess mobility and safety. Our comprehensive assessment includes screening for impaired vision and other medical conditions that may increase fall risk. The assessment team may include nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, who work together to provide a thorough evaluation. We also review all medicines and identify unnecessary medications that could contribute to falls. Resources such as specialized equipment and staff expertise are utilized to ensure a complete and effective assessment.

Assessment components include:

• Detailed history of previous falls
• Evaluation of gait and balance
• Screening for impaired vision and other medical conditions
• Medication review, including identification of unnecessary medications
• Review of other conditions that may present with a fall, such as TIA or seizures
• Environmental assessment of the home or care facility
• Assessment of cognitive function and mood

1. Medical History & Risk Factor Review

• Fall history (recent or recurrent falls)
• Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, osteoarthritis)
• Medications that affect balance or alertness
• Vision, hearing, and foot health

2. Physical Examination

• Joint flexibility and muscle strength
• Reflexes and sensation in the feet
• Posture and spinal alignment

3. Gait & Balance Testing

• Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Measures how long it takes to stand, walk, and sit, and assesses walking stability
• Berg Balance Scale: Series of balance activities scored for risk analysis, including standing and balance tasks such as standing on one foot
• Functional Reach Test: Evaluates ability to reach without falling

4. Mobility Aid Evaluation

• Assessment of canes, walkers, or other devices
• Training and adjustment as needed for safe usage

5. Home Safety Review (in discussion or referral)

• Identifying fall hazards in the home environment
• Recommending grab bars, non-slip mats, or lighting improvements

All results are discussed with the patient and caregivers to form a tailored care plan.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Once your assessment is complete, we’ll create a custom Fall Prevention and Mobility Support Plan. This care plan may include individualized treatment strategies and disease control measures, with interventions and management tailored to each patient.

Your Care Plan May Include:

• Physical therapy referrals for strength and balance training
• Medication review, including review of unnecessary medications and medicines that may increase fall risk, and adjustments
• Nutrition counseling for bone health and energy
• Referrals to podiatry or neurology for underlying conditions
• Assistive devices or home modification guidance
• Patient and caregiver education on fall prevention and safe mobility
• Targeted interventions and management strategies to address identified risks
• Follow-up assessments to track progress over time

We focus on prevention, not just reaction—empowering seniors to live safely and independently.

Common Causes of Falls in Older Adults

Understanding fall risks is key to prevention. Research has shown that multiple chronic conditions and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and vascular diseases, are major risk factors for falls. Ageing is associated with increased risk due to physiological changes that affect balance and mobility. Most falls are due to a combination of internal and external risk factors.

Intrinsic Factors:

• Muscle weakness
• Balance or vision problems
• Impaired vision (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma)
• Medication side effects (e.g., blood pressure meds, sedatives)
• Chronic illness (e.g., diabetes, Parkinson’s, stroke)
• Chronic pain affecting movement or balance
• Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
• Dementia or cognitive decline
• Cognitive impairment

Extrinsic Factors:

• Poor lighting
• Loose rugs or slippery floors
• Lack of grab bars or railings
• Improper footwear
• Cluttered walkways

Our assessments address both types of risks.

The Link Between Falls and Other Health Conditions

Falls are often symptoms of larger issues. Falls result in increased disability, loss of independence, and even deaths among older adults:

• Cognitive decline: May lead to poor judgment or inattention
• Depression or social isolation: Can reduce physical activity and muscle tone
• Osteoporosis: Increases the likelihood of fractures from even minor falls
• Cardiovascular problems: May cause fainting or dizziness
• Other conditions such as TIA, stroke, or seizures may also contribute to falls.

Early intervention helps reduce complications and improve quality of life.

Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

These tips are designed to help prevent falls, and resources are available for additional support.

We also educate patients and families on how to reduce fall risk daily, and ongoing education is provided to ensure they stay informed about the latest prevention strategies.

At Home:

• Install grab bars in the bathroom
• Keep walkways clear of cords and clutter
• Improve lighting in hallways and staircases
• Use non-slip rugs and mats
• Wear supportive, non-slip shoes

Daily Habits:

• Exercise regularly to improve strength and balance
• Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
• Stay hydrated to avoid dizziness
• Take medications exactly as prescribed

Our team provides personalized coaching based on each patient’s environment and habits.

Why Choose mediDental care for Geriatric Fall Risk & Mobility Assessments in Astoria?

• Experienced in senior care and fall prevention
• Team of experienced healthcare providers, including nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, working together for comprehensive fall risk assessment and prevention
• Specializing in geriatrics, providing expert care tailored to older adults
• On-site testing and real-time plan development
• Holistic primary care in Astoria—we manage your full health picture
• Collaborative approach involving families and caregivers
• Convenient location with accessible office design

We’re more than your healthcare provider—we’re your safety partner.

Book Your Geriatric Fall Risk & Mobility Assessment in Astoria Today

Don’t wait for a fall to take action. Let us help you or your loved one stay safe, mobile, and confident with a personalized mobility and fall risk assessment.

📍 Located in Astoria, Queens
📞 Call us or book your appointment online

mediDental care—caring for every step of your journey in senior health and primary care in Astoria.