Falls are a significant source of injury for older adults and a growing public health concern in the Fort Worth area. Effective fall prevention therapy integrates clinical evaluation, targeted exercise, home modifications, and caregiver education to mitigate risk and enhance quality of life. A coordinated approach involving physical therapists, home care providers, primary care clinicians, and community programs offers the best outcomes for older adults aiming to maintain independence and safety.
Why fall prevention matters in the Fort Worth area
Falls significantly contribute to emergency medical calls and hospital visits among older adults in the Fort Worth area. In 2023, over 6,000 older adults contacted MedStar for emergency medical services following a fall, underscoring the frequency and local impact of fall-related incidents (UNTHSC report).
Nationally, approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments annually for fall injuries, with falls being the leading cause of injury-related visits among older populations. These events can result in prolonged recovery times, loss of independence, and substantial healthcare costs, making prevention a priority for individuals and communities.
Recent investments in local age-friendly care and dementia-friendly services are bolstering the infrastructure for fall prevention in the Fort Worth area. In July 2024, the University of North Texas Health Science Center received a $5 million federal grant aimed at improving care for older adults, an initiative expected to support fall prevention efforts and training for healthcare providers (Fort Worth Report).
How fall prevention therapy works (key actions first)
Early assessment by a licensed physical therapist or other qualified clinician identifies specific risk factors such as muscle weakness, balance deficits, gait problems, vision loss, medication side effects, and environmental hazards.
Targeted interventions typically include strength and balance training, gait training, vestibular or vision-focused therapies when needed, and personalized home-safety recommendations. These components are prioritized based on the most modifiable risks for the individual.
Caregiver education and coordinated medication review also occur early when appropriate, since many falls are linked to sedating medications or complex drug regimens. Simple changes in medication timing or selection can meaningfully reduce fall risk.
Comprehensive assessment
Assessment begins with a review of medical history, fall history, current medications, and functional ability. Objective measures—such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale, or gait speed—help quantify risk and track progress over time.
A home-safety evaluation—either performed in-clinic with patient-reported details or via an in-home visit—identifies hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, lack of grab bars, and cluttered walkways. In the Fort Worth area, several agencies offer in-home assessments and modifications.
Individualized treatment plan
A treatment plan will combine therapeutic exercise (strengthening, balance, flexibility), education on safe transfers and mobility, and referrals for vision or hearing evaluation when sensory deficits are suspected. Plans are adjusted as strength and balance improve or as diagnoses change.
When cognitive impairment is present, therapists adapt instructions and involve caregivers to reinforce strategies and safety plans. Dementia-sensitive approaches and environmental cues reduce confusion and risk during daily activities.
Local fall prevention services and programs
The Fort Worth area offers a range of services from in-home care to outpatient clinics and community events that connect older adults with resources. Many local providers tailor fall prevention interventions to the home environment and individual needs.
Community events also provide free screenings and education to reach older adults who may not yet be engaged with therapy services.
Combining clinical therapy with community supports increases the likelihood of sustained improvement and reduced fall frequency.
In-home physical therapy and home-safety assessments
Kass Rehabilitation provides in-home physical therapy focused on balance and strength training specifically for fall prevention, useful for patients who cannot easily travel to clinics (Kass Rehabilitation).
Professional in-home fall risk and home safety assessments, including evaluations of bathrooms, lighting, pathways, and medication reviews, are practical services for seniors who live alone or have mobility limitations.
Outpatient clinics and specialized balance programs
Several clinics in the Fort Worth area provide structured balance retraining and gait training. Kass Rehabilitation offers programs targeting balance, vestibular issues, and body awareness to address complex balance disorders (Kass Rehabilitation).
Strength and balance training alongside education on environmental modifications supports long-term functional gains and community mobility.
Caregiver training and in-home assistance
Kass Rehabilitation trains caregivers in fall prevention techniques and provides daily assistance to reduce hazards during routine activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers (Kass Rehabilitation).
Formal caregiver training can reduce preventable falls by teaching safe transfer methods, appropriate use of assistive devices, and environmental strategies like creating clear pathways and maintaining good lighting.
Community outreach and events
Senior Expo USA at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers free health screenings, fall prevention information, and connections to local organizations—an opportunity for older adults and caregivers to learn about local resources and screenings (Senior Expo USA).
Community events often include demonstrations of exercises such as Tai Chi, safety education, and opportunities to schedule in-home assessments or therapy consultations on-site.
Practical home modifications and daily routines
Home modifications are among the most effective, low-cost strategies to reduce fall risk. Interventions range from small changes like improved lighting to larger adaptations such as grab bar installation.
Routine changes—such as clearing walkways, wearing supportive footwear, and using assistive devices consistently—also make daily life safer and more predictable for older adults.
Combining environmental changes with exercise and medication review greatly reduces overall risk compared with any single strategy alone.
Easy modifications with large impact
- Install grab bars in showers and near toilets and secure railings on all stairways.
- Upgrade lighting in hallways and stairwells and use night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Remove throw rugs or secure them with non-slip pads; keep pathways clear of clutter and cords.
- Place frequently used items within easy reach to avoid step stools or climbing.
These simple adjustments reduce the most common household hazards and are often inexpensive or supported by local programs or contractors experienced with aging-in-place needs.
Daily routines and footwear
Encourage regular, structured exercise focusing on balance and strength; even brief daily sessions are beneficial. Tai Chi and progressive resistance training are well-supported by evidence for reducing falls.
Wear low-heeled, non-slip shoes at home instead of socks or slippers with poor traction. Using an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, when recommended by a clinician, provides measurable improvements in stability.
Exercise programs and evidence-based therapies
Effective fall prevention exercise programs emphasize lower-extremity strength, postural control, and safe movement patterns. Programs are individualized based on baseline strength and balance test results.
Group classes (e.g., community Tai Chi) and one-on-one physical therapy both offer benefits; choice depends on mobility, cognitive status, and personal preference. Group programs can provide social engagement and accountability.
Examples of high-value exercises
- Strength training: sit-to-stand repetitions, heel raises, and leg presses to improve lower-limb power.
- Balance training: single-leg stands, tandem stance, and dynamic stability tasks that challenge weight shifting safely.
- Gait training: practice walking with turns, negotiating obstacles, and dual-task exercises that simulate real-life demands.
These exercises are progressed gradually and monitored by a clinician to maintain safety and effectiveness.
When vestibular or vision therapy is needed
Inner ear (vestibular) disorders and visual impairments are important contributors to falls. Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance strategies to reduce dizziness-related falls.
Referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist is warranted when visual deficits are suspected. Correcting vision, updating prescriptions, or addressing cataracts can reduce fall risk substantially.
Medication review and medical management
Medications that cause sedation, orthostatic hypotension, or blurred vision increase fall risk. A medication review with a primary care provider, pharmacist, or geriatrician is essential to identify high-risk drugs and consider safer alternatives.
Common culprits include benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, anticholinergics, and some blood pressure medications. Reducing dose, changing timing, or switching to safer agents often lowers fall risk without compromising treatment.
Paying for fall prevention therapy and insurance considerations
Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy when medically necessary, though coverage limits and documentation requirements apply. In-home therapy may also be covered if homebound criteria are met or if a skilled service is required.
Private insurance, Medicaid, and veteran benefits may cover additional services. Some community organizations and nonprofit programs offer low-cost home-safety modifications or subsidized services for eligible older adults.
Ask providers about sliding-scale programs, grant-funded initiatives linked to local health systems, or partnerships with aging services that can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
When to seek professional help
Seek immediate medical evaluation after any fall that causes head injury, loss of consciousness, persistent pain, or inability to bear weight. For non-emergent falls, schedule a primary care or physical therapy evaluation if there is a new loss of confidence, change in walking pattern, or repeated near-falls.
Early intervention after an initial fall reduces the risk of subsequent falls. A timely balance and strength assessment identifies modifiable problems before they cause more serious injury.
Resources and next steps for Fort Worth residents
Local public health resources provide guidance on fall prevention and community programs. Tarrant County Public Health offers prevention recommendations including exercise, home modifications, and medication review guidance (Tarrant County Falls Prevention).
To find services, consider contacting local physical therapy clinics for an initial screen, arranging an in-home safety visit, or attending community events like Senior Expo USA for free screenings and information (Senior Expo USA).
When mobility is limited or specialized balance training is needed, search for providers offering vestibular rehabilitation or dementia-sensitive fall prevention approaches, and coordinate care with primary care providers to review medications and medical contributors.
Summary: A layered approach works best
Preventing falls requires a layered strategy of clinical evaluation, targeted exercise, home and behavioral changes, medication optimization, and caregiver support. Local resources in the Fort Worth area—from in-home therapy to community expos—make it possible to build a personalized plan that reduces risk and preserves independence.
Engaging one or more qualified physical therapists, scheduling a home-safety assessment, participating in regular balance and strength training, and reviewing medications with a clinician are practical first steps toward safer mobility and a reduced chance of fall-related injury.
For evidence-based screening and local support, use resources linked above to connect with providers and programs that meet specific needs and preferences in the Fort Worth area.
Take the Next Step in Fall Prevention with Kass Rehabilitation
At Kass Rehabilitation, we specialize in personalized outpatient therapy designed to improve balance, strength, and overall mobility—key components in preventing falls. Our experienced team collaborates with you to develop a comprehensive plan that supports your physical and mental well-being. Ready to enhance your safety and independence? Schedule an appointment today and start your journey toward a safer, healthier future.