One in four people over the age of 65 will fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalizations for older people, but they can can be prevented. Carolinas Rehabilitation and CMC Home Care have partnered to create the Better Balance Program to help seniors and their families learn about ways to reduce falls. 

 The mission of the Better Balance Program is to: 

• Identify individuals who are at risk for falling.
• Help at-risk individuals take steps to reduce falls before they happen.
• Encourage healthy aging by facilitating older adults to remain mobile and independent.
• Reduce hospitalizations.

The Better Balance Program provides a comprehensive patient assessment and identification of fall risk factors. You will also receive an individualized treatment plan to improve your balance and falls risk as well as education regarding fall prevention in the home. We will provide home safety tips, shoe wear and suggestions for life-long exercise and activities to improve balance. Other services provided include:

• Fall risk screenings in the community.
• Computerized balance testing and training at specific Carolinas Rehabilitation locations.
• Presentations to medical professionals or community groups regarding balance and fall prevention.
• Patient follow-up and monitoring after discharge from individualized therapy to ensure maximum outcomes.
• Group exercise programs for maintainance of skills, including Tai Chi.
• Physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for consultation. 

Individuals who would benefit from the Better Balance Program include those who:

• Have fallen recently.
• Demonstrate difficulty getting up from a chair.
• Have difficulty walking or are unsteady on their feet. 
• Are physically inactive.
• Are fearful of falling.
• Complain of dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Have problems with the senses, such as impaired vision or numbness in the feet.
• Demonstrate muscle weakness.
• Have neurological or arthritic/orthopedic conditions that limit physical abilities. 

To access the Better Balance Program, have your physician fill out this referral form.

To schedule an appointment:

• If you are able to travel, contact Carolinas Rehabilitation at 704-355-3558.
• If you are homebound, contact CMC-Home Care at 704-512-2300.

Additional resources:

Better Balance Program Brochure
Preventing Falls in the Home
Falls Prevention Checklist