Fall Prevention Clinic

The Fall Prevention Clinic is a specialty clinic operating within the Senior Care Clinic at Harborview Medical Center. The Fall Prevention Clinic provides falls/mobility assessments and treatment planning to patients aged 65 and older, or younger as needed. Our goal is to serve those who have not yet fallen but may be at risk, and to manage care for those with a history of falls in order to prevent subsequent falls with serious injury.

Fall Prevention Awareness Day is Sept 18, 2008. 

A Washington State-wide initiative to increase public awareness.

Videos

Fall Prevention Tips (Video)

The Good News About Fall Prevention (Video)

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What is a fall?

Unintentionally coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level from a standing, sitting, or horizontal position. Not due to seizure, stroke, fainting, motor vehicle accident, or risky behavior (i.e. skiing, roof repair, drug overdose).

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Our clinic provides:

• Comprehensive assessment of fall risk factors
• Identification of strengths, risks and deficiencies
• Medical history
• Gait & balance assessment
• Medications
• Vision testing
• Lower limb joint testing
• Neurologic function testing
• Cardiovascular status
• Environmental safety
• Development of a management plan for identified risk factors
• Balance and gait training
• Exercise recommendations
• Environmental modifications
• Medication adjustment
• Cardiovascular management
• Vision evaluation and treatment
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Podiatric and shoe concerns
• Education and training
• Follow-up to encourage adherence to recommendations and assist with barriers to adherence, either individualized or in group visits as determined by patient preference

To facilitate comprehensive care, we offer the following services:

• Pharmacist to review medications for fall risk
• Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for meal planning and nutrition guidance
• Assessments, as indicated or desired, by Physical Therapy, Eye Clinic, and VNS Occupational Therapy for home safety evaluation.
• Patient/caregiver education on ways to reduce fall risk

This multifactorial approach can reduce falls 30-40%.

Appointments and Referrals

Appointments for the Harborview Fall Prevention Clinic are scheduled for Friday mornings, and can be made by calling the clinic (general contact number listed below).