Exercise or physical therapy | Tai Chi, gait training, balance training, strength training |
Multifactorial intervention | Home safety assessment, medication review, review of specific conditions (below), advice on appropriate footwear, vision check, adaptive aids as appropriate, physical therapy or exercise as appropriate |
Condition | Targeted Intervention |
Postural hypotension (> 20 mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure, or systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg) | Behavioral recommendations, such as hand clenching, elevation of head of bed; discontinuation or substitution of high-risk medications |
Use of benzodiazepine or sedative/hypnotic agent | Education about sleep hygiene; discontinuation or substitution of medications |
Use of multiple prescription medications | Review of medications |
Environmental hazards | Appropriate changes; installation of safety equipment (eg, grab bars) |
Gait impairment | Gait training, assistive devices, balance or strengthening exercises |
Impairment in transfer or balance | Balance exercises, training in transfers, environmental alterations (eg, grab bars) |
Impairment in leg or arm muscle strength or limb range of motion | Exercise with resistance bands or putty, with graduated increases in resistance |
Vision impairment | Cataract surgery or other interventions as appropriate |
Inability to get up after a fall | Medic-alert system, physical therapy training for strategies |
High-risk footwear | Education on appropriate footwear (eg, avoid slippers, high heels) |