Falls Prevention Awareness Week: Take Steps Today to Stay Strong, Steady and Independent

Falls Prevention Awareness Week, observed September 21 through 25, 2026, is a nationwide campaign dedicated to helping older adults reduce their risk of falling and remain active and independent. This year, Gold Coast Physical Therapy encourages individuals and families to recognize the early signs of balance problems and take action before a fall occurs.

Falls become more common as we age, but they should not be accepted as an unavoidable part of getting older. With the right evaluation, education and treatment, many falls can be prevented.

Why Fall Prevention Is So Important

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 14 million adults age 65 and older report falling each year. Falls are also the leading cause of injury among older adults. While not every fall causes a serious injury, even a minor incident can affect confidence, mobility and independence. CDC

After a fall or near fall, some people begin limiting their activities because they are afraid it will happen again. Unfortunately, becoming less active can lead to additional weakness, decreased balance and an even greater risk of falling.

The good news is that many fall risk factors can be identified and improved.

Are You at Risk of Falling?

A person does not need to have experienced a serious fall to benefit from a fall risk assessment. Small changes in the way you move may be early warning signs.

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you have noticed any of the following:

1. Holding onto furniture or walls while walking
2. Feeling unsteady when first standing up
3. Experiencing dizziness or vertigo
4. Having difficulty walking on grass, curbs or uneven surfaces
5. Avoiding stairs or activities because of fear of falling
6. Shuffling your feet or frequently catching your toes
7. Needing more effort to get up from a chair
8. Experiencing a recent fall or near fall
9. Feeling weaker after an illness, surgery or period of inactivity
10. Becoming less confident while walking in busy or unfamiliar places

Risk can also increase due to lower body weakness, walking difficulties, vision problems, foot pain, certain medications and hazards within the home. Most falls occur because of a combination of factors rather than one single cause. CDC

How Gold Coast Physical Therapy Can Help Prevent Falls

A physical therapist can evaluate the different factors that affect your stability, including strength, balance, posture, walking pattern, coordination, flexibility and ability to safely complete everyday movements.

At Gold Coast Physical Therapy, your fall risk assessment may include tests that examine:

1. Standing and dynamic balance
2. Lower body and core strength
3. Walking speed and gait mechanics
4. Ability to rise from a chair
5. Coordination and reaction time
6. Mobility on different surfaces
7. Dizziness or vestibular symptoms
8. Confidence with daily activities

Your physical therapist will use the results to develop a personalized treatment program based on your needs and goals. Treatment may include balance retraining, therapeutic exercise, gait training, vestibular rehabilitation and practice with functional activities such as turning, reaching, stepping and navigating obstacles.

Advanced Technology for Safer Balance Training

Gold Coast Physical Therapy combines hands on care with advanced rehabilitation technology to help patients improve safely and confidently.

Computerized Dynamic Posturography can provide detailed information about how the visual, vestibular and sensory systems work together to maintain balance. This technology helps clinicians identify specific areas of difficulty and create a more targeted treatment plan.

The Safety Overhead System provides support during walking, balance and functional training. Patients can practice challenging movements while secured in an overhead harness, reducing the fear of falling and allowing them to work toward greater independence in a controlled environment.

Technology does not replace personalized care. Instead, it gives our physical therapists additional information and treatment options to help patients progress with confidence.

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Fall Risk

Fall prevention extends beyond the physical therapy clinic. A few practical changes can make everyday activities safer.

Keep Moving

Regular activity helps maintain the strength, coordination and balance needed for walking and daily tasks. If you are unsure which exercises are safe for you, ask a physical therapist for guidance.

Review Your Medications

Some prescription and over the counter medications can cause dizziness, fatigue or changes in blood pressure. Ask your physician or pharmacist to review your medications and possible side effects.

Schedule Vision and Hearing Exams

Changes in vision and hearing can make it more difficult to recognize obstacles and understand your surroundings.

Make Your Home Safer

Remove loose rugs and clutter, improve lighting, install grab bars where appropriate and keep frequently used items within easy reach. Be especially careful in bathrooms, on stairs and near changes in flooring.

Wear Supportive Footwear

Choose properly fitting shoes with secure backs and nonslip soles. Avoid walking in loose slippers or socks on smooth surfaces.

Speak Up About Balance Changes

Do not wait for a serious fall to mention dizziness, weakness or unsteadiness. Early intervention may help address the problem before it leads to an injury.

A Fall Can Be Prevented

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a reminder that protecting your independence begins with recognizing your risks. The National Council on Aging emphasizes that falls are preventable and encourages older adults, caregivers and healthcare providers to begin the conversation. National Council on Aging

If you have fallen, experienced a near fall or simply do not feel as steady as you once did, Gold Coast Physical Therapy can help. Our experienced physical therapists will evaluate what may be contributing to your balance difficulties and create a personalized program to help you build strength, improve stability and move with greater confidence.

Schedule a fall risk assessment at a Gold Coast Physical Therapy location near you and take the first step toward staying strong, steady and independent.

Contact Gold Coast Physical Therapy today for your Balance & Vestibular treatment plan.

Request Appointment

The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual and condition is unique, and treatment recommendations may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed physical therapist regarding any questions or concerns about your symptoms before beginning a new exercise or treatment program. If you experience severe pain, sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.