Falling over isn’t a normal part of the ageing process, but your risk of falling increases as you get older. Thankfully, you can prevent and manage your risk of falling with the help of your doctor.

Here’s a guide to help you prepare for your appointment and understand what to expect. This includes information your doctor will need and the right questions to ask when you talk to them.

When you should talk to your doctor

To maintain your health and independence, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to help prevent falls and reduce your risk of falling.

That said, it’s especially important to talk to them if you’ve:

• recently fallen over or tripped
• find it hard to move around or get up from a chair or bed
• have been feeling off balance.

How to prepare for your doctor’s appointment

Talking openly and honestly about falls is the best way to help your doctor treat and prevent them. To help both of you get all the information you need:

• write down a list of things you want to talk about before you go
• make a list of all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over the counter, and supplements
• write down when, where, and how often you have fallen in the past year
• be honest about your concerns and experiences, especially if your fear of falling impacts your daily life and wellbeing
• take a friend, whānau, or family member with you to your appointment. They can help you remember what was said and ask questions.

What to expect from your doctor's appointment

Feel free to ask your doctor questions and tell them about any concerns about your health and having a fall. If you don’t understand something, ask them to repeat or explain it. Take notes if you can and ask for notes from them.

They will ask you about your current health status and if you’ve had a fall since they last saw you. They will do a physical examination and assess your risk of falling. Tests may include blood pressure and pulse, vision, hearing, balance, strength, flexibility, and foot health.

Your doctor will look at potential underlying causes of a fall and recommend the right treatment.

This can include:

• Reviewing your medications.
• Discussing any concerns you have and changes in your health.
• Conducting a Timed up and Go (TUG) test to gauge your muscle strength and balance.
• Referring you to other health professionals, e.g. a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

How to talk to your doctor about falls

If you’ve recently had a trip or fall – or think you’re at risk of falling – use these prompts to help you have a conversation about it with your doctor.

I had been feeling unsteady before my fall for:

• a month or longer
• a couple of days
• not at all.

I feel unsteady when I:

• get out of bed in the morning
• bend down
• exert myself
• sit quietly
• drive or ride in a car
• other times.

I have lost confidence in:

• moving around my house normally
• going shopping
• doing everyday things
• walking
• exercising
• other things.

I’m finding it harder to:

• get up from my chair without using the armrests
• take a bath or shower
• look after my appearance
• go to the bathroom
• get up and down stairs.

What happens after your doctor's appointment

After your assessment, your doctor should put together a care plan and update schedule to monitor progress. Make sure you stick to this and keep in regular contact with your doctor.

Communication is key to making sure you receive the best care and are involved in your own health decisions. By being prepared for your appointment, asking questions, and following up on your care plan, you can work with your doctor to reduce your risk of falling. They are there to help you stay safe.