Q: My mom has difficulty keeping her balance. I'm worried she may fall at home. Do elderly people often have balance problems?

Ask Our Expert About Balance Problems and Geriatric Trauma

About our Expert

Robert Barraco, M.D., is chief of pediatric and geriatric trauma at Lehigh Valley Health Network. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and his medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He is married and has four children. He is active in Asbury United Methodist Church, and enjoys sports and music, especially playing the guitar.

• My mom has difficulty keeping her balance. I'm worried she may fall at home. Do elderly people often have balance problems?
• What can I do to prevent my mom from falling?
• How can I make her home safer?
• What should I do if my mom falls?

Q: My mom has difficulty keeping her balance. I'm worried she may fall at home. Do elderly people often have balance problems?

A: Yes. Falls are the number one reason our trauma doctors see patients over age 55. There are many reasons elderly people become dizzy or lose their balance. However, falling is usually a symptom of an underlying health problem. Things that increase your risk of falling include:

• Osteoporosis and arthritis
• Dementia or confusion
• Depression
• A movement disorder, like Parkinson's Disease
• Vision and hearing problems
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Blood pressure problems
• Bowel and bladder incontinence
• Foot disorders
• Medication side effects

Q: What can I do to prevent my mom from falling?

A: Make sure she sees her family doctor regularly for a health exam, to have her medications reviewed and to have her vision and hearing checked. Make sure she's eating healthy and exercising regularly, if her doctor says she's healthy enough to do so. You also should make her home safe for walking.

Q: How can I make her home safer?

A: Take these steps to reduce her risk for falling:

• Remove throw rugs and loose carpeting
• Keep walkways wide and free of clutter and cords
• Avoid tripping hazards, like bedding that hangs to the floor
• Install a nightlight in the bathroom
• Use non-slip mats in the shower and tub
• Install grab bars by toilets and in the shower and tub
• Use bathroom rugs with non-skid backing
• Buy her non-slip shoes and ask her not to wear slippers
• Store things where they can easily be reached
• Tell her not to use a ladder or stand on a chair for any reason
• Don't place or store things on a stairway
• Make sure all stairways have a sturdy handrail
• Make sure the home is well lit inside and outside
• Repair uneven or cracked sidewalks
• Eliminate exposed tree roots

If you need help fall-proofing a home, you can get a professional to conduct a home safety inspection. For more information, contact your local area agency on aging.

Q: What should I do if my mom falls?

A: Call 9-1-1 immediately and tell the ambulance crew you want her to go to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Research shows that elderly people who suffer a traumatic injury have a better chance for recovery if they have a team of health care professionals caring for them. Our team of specialists will provide your mom with the best possible care. Her care team can include a physician with education in the health concerns of older people, trauma physician, physician assistant, nurses, physical and occupational therapist and case manager. All team members have received special education in caring for older patients with a trauma injury. Our team meets regularly to discuss and determine the best plan of care. We're the only hospital in the region to offer this team approach to trauma care for elderly patients. It's one reason why U.S. News & World Report recognizes us as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for geriatric care.

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