Balance and Fall Prevention Program – For people between ages 65 and 84, falls represent the second leading cause of injury-related death. At MetroWest Medical Center, we work to decrease the incidence/likelihood of falls in our older patient population by reducing risk factors such as impaired balance, footwear, dehydration, adverse effects from medication, and acute illness. Our physical therapist will conduct two balance tests on each patient with either a musculoskeletal or neuromuscular balance related problem. The first test is at time of evaluation and the second is at discharge to show your progress. An individualized home exercise plan will be administered to each patient and will include specific exercises to improve the patient’s overall balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility. Fall prevention packets and brochures are also provided to assess patient’s safety in their home environment, as well as make recommendations on how to make their home safer.

You could be at risk if:

• You take 4 or more medications daily
• Your vision has recently changed
• You have dizziness or hearing loss
• You have fallen 2 or more times in the last 6 months

Environmental factors that could put you at risk include:

• Stairs without railings
• Throw rugs
• Dark hallways or stairwells
• Clutter
• Furniture that is difficult to get out of
• Slippery bathrooms, tubs or showers
• Spills

To schedule an appointment for treatment for balance and falls at one of our four sites, please call:

Natick: 508-650-7252
Framingham: 508-383-1070
Wellness Center: 508-271-2088