Falls Prevention Program for Seniors Edmonton

Falls are common in later life, but they are not inevitable — most of the risk factors can be changed.

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Falls Prevention Program for Seniors in Edmonton

A falls prevention program is a structured physiotherapy plan that identifies why an older adult is at risk of falling and addresses those causes through strength and balance exercise, home hazard changes and education. At Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Edmonton, the program uses Otago-style exercise and is delivered in clinic, at home or in group workshops.

About one in three adults over 65 falls each year. A fall can mean a fracture, a hospital stay and a loss of confidence that leads to doing less — which weakens muscles and raises the risk again. Physiotherapy-led exercise is one of the interventions most consistently shown to reduce falls in older adults living at home.

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Why people fall, and what can be changed

Falls rarely have a single cause. They usually come from several factors adding up:

Weak leg muscles, especially the hips, thighs and calves.
Reduced balance and slower reactions to a stumble.
Changes in walking, such as shuffling.
Medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Vision changes, and bifocals on stairs.
Low blood pressure on standing, dizziness or vertigo.
Numb feet from neuropathy, foot pain or poor footwear.
Home hazards: loose rugs, poor lighting, no grab bars.
Fear of falling, which leads to stiff, cautious movement and less activity.

Most of these can be improved. Strength and balance can be trained at any age, medications reviewed, vision checked and homes made safer. A falls prevention program works on what applies to you.

Otago-style strength and balance exercise

The Otago Exercise Programme was developed in New Zealand and has been studied widely in older adults. It consists of a small set of leg-strengthening and balance exercises, performed several times a week at home, plus a walking plan, progressed over time by a physiotherapist. Trials have shown it can reduce falls and injuries in people over 65, with larger effects in those over 80.

We use an Otago-style approach because it is practical: the exercises need little equipment, fit into daily life and are adjusted to each person’s ability. Examples include sit-to-stand, heel raises, knee bends, backwards and sideways walking, and single-leg stance with support as needed.

Consistency and progression make it work. Your physiotherapist sets the starting level, checks technique and increases the challenge as you get steadier. Group workshops offer the same content in a supportive setting.

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What the falls prevention program involves

The program follows a clear sequence, whether you attend the clinic, receive in-home visits or join a workshop.

Falls risk assessment:

We ask about past falls, review medications, vision, footwear and health conditions, and test strength, balance, walking speed and sit-to-stand.

Individual exercise plan:

An Otago-style set of strength and balance exercises is chosen for your level, taught in person and written down for home practice.

Progression and follow-up:

Regular check-ins to correct technique and increase difficulty as strength and balance improve.

Walking and mobility practice:

Walking outdoors, on uneven ground, curbs and stairs, and using a cane or walker correctly if one is recommended.

Home hazard review:

Advice on lighting, rugs, bathroom equipment and stairs, with an in-home assessment where possible.

Education and confidence:

How to get up from the floor safely, what to do after a fall, footwear and reducing fear of falling.

We can also coordinate a medication review with your doctor or pharmacist.

Who the program is commonly used for

The program suits older adults who:

Have fallen in the past year:

Even one fall raises the chance of another.

Feel unsteady or hold onto furniture:

An early sign that balance needs work.

Are afraid of falling:

Fear leads to doing less; a structured plan rebuilds confidence.

Have slowed down or shuffle:

A changed walking pattern is a modifiable fall risk.

Are recovering after hospital or illness:

Bed rest causes rapid loss of strength that can be regained.

Live with a neurological condition:

Parkinson's, stroke, MS and neuropathy all raise fall risk.

Have osteoporosis:

Preventing falls helps prevent fractures.

Want to stay independent at home:

Strength and balance keep you on your feet and in your own home.

Family members are welcome at appointments.

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Safety and when to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have fallen and hit your head, have pain or swelling after a fall, have fainted, feel your heart racing or skipping, or notice new dizziness, weakness, numbness or confusion. These need medical review before exercise begins.

A medication review is one of the most valuable steps in falls prevention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any of your medications may contribute to dizziness or unsteadiness. During the program, tell your physiotherapist about dizziness, chest symptoms or pain with exercise so the plan can be adjusted.

Join the falls prevention program in Edmonton

The falls prevention program is available at our Millwoods clinic — one-to-one, at home, or through group workshops (see our workshops page).

No referral is needed, we direct-bill most extended health plans, and in-home visits are available across Edmonton. Call or book online.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

About falls prevention

Am I too old to start balance exercises?

No. Strength and balance improve with training at every age, and research shows large reductions in falls in people over 80. Exercises are adjusted to your starting level.

How much exercise does it take to reduce falls?

Studies suggest that regular balance and strength exercise, ideally three or more hours a week including walking, is associated with fewer falls. We build up to this gradually.

Can I do the program if I use a walker?

Yes. Exercises are adapted to be done with support, and we check your walker is the right height and used correctly.

Will physiotherapy stop me from ever falling?

No program removes the risk entirely, but exercise-based falls prevention has been shown to reduce falls and injuries in older adults. It also teaches you how to get up safely if a fall happens.

How is this different from balance physiotherapy?

Our balance and falls page covers balance disorders generally, including dizziness. This program is a structured, exercise-based approach for older adults to reduce falls over time.

Your care at Next Step

Do you run group falls prevention workshops?

Yes. Workshops at our clinics cover strength and balance exercise, home safety and fall recovery. See our workshops page for dates.

Can you come to my home?

Yes. In-home visits across Edmonton let us assess your walking routes, stairs and bathroom on the spot.

How long does the program last?

Usually several months, with visits spaced out as you gain confidence and continue your home programme.

Is the program covered by insurance?

Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy, and we direct-bill many of them.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. With consent we can send your assessment to your doctor.

Related services at Next Step:

Available at our Millwoods clinic in Edmonton. Book an appointment.