Falls Prevention Clinic
Falls among older adults are very common – in fact, one in four adults age 65 and older will fall each year. Falls can potentially lead to injuries, fractures, social isolation, hospitalization and diminished quality of life. And, because falling once doubles the likelihood of a future fall, prevention is the highest priority.
If you or a loved one are at risk of falling due to age or other health issues, ask your doctor if a referral to the UH Falls Prevention Clinic is appropriate for you.
Multidisciplinary Teams Provide Whole-Person Care
Our Falls Prevention Clinic brings together specialists from the University Section of Geriatric Medicine, rehabilitation services, pharmacy services and the University Hospitals Ear, Nose & Throat Institute. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that we consider the full spectrum of falls risk factors so that an effective treatment plan can be developed.
Offering Comprehensive Evaluations
In a convenient single visit, patients receive a thorough, multi-specialty evaluation that considers:
- Previous fall history
- Existing health issues including chronic diseases
- Medication review including potential drug or supplement interactions
- Sensory deficits, including vision or hearing loss
- Cognitive impairment
- Arthritis or musculoskeletal pain
- Gait issues, including balance challenges or neuropathy
- Dizziness and lightheadedness, including vestibular imbalance
- Depression risk and social support
- Nutritional status and potential deficiencies
- Sleep patterns
- Home environment and the need for safety adaptations
Evaluations generally last two hours. At the end of the appointment, our team will generate a list of therapeutic recommendations, appropriate referrals and useful resources tailored to each patient. We also include the patient’s primary care physician so they are aware of our findings, ensuring seamless treatment among all the patient’s providers.
Personalized Treatment and Safety Plans
Based on the evaluation, our team will develop a comprehensive treatment plan including safety recommendations. Treatment plans may include:
- Decreasing or eliminating medications that may be contributing to lightheadedness and balance impairment
- Improving strength and balance through physical or rehab therapy
- ENT recommendations for the treatment of vestibular issues
- Safety adaptations for the home
- Vision and/or hearing corrections (glasses, hearing aids, etc.)
The University Hospitals Falls Prevention Clinic offers evaluations and follow-up services at two convenient locations:
UH Falls Prevention Clinic Locations
UH Foley ElderHealth Center
3619 Park East Dr., Suite 109
Beachwood, OH 44122
UH Westshore Primary Care
26908 Detroit Rd., Suites 200 and 201
Westlake, OH 44145