An effective fall prevention program requires three elements:

1) a physical examination and risk assessment conducted by a doctor or other medical professional, 2) a progressive exercise regime implemented by a physical therapist, and 3) an analysis and remediation of potential hazards in the home conducted by an occupational therapist.

The medical exam should include checking your parent’s risk factors like poor vision, overmedication, muscle weakness, gait or balance problems, and history of earlier falls. The exercise piece should aim to improve muscle strength and endurance in the legs, hips and trunk, which affect postural alignment and stability while walking. Home modification might include grab bars in the bathroom, handrails or ramps near stairways, brighter lighting and the removal of tripping hazards like power cords and throw rugs.

Jane Gross, New York Times healthcare writer and moderator of the newspaper’s New Old Age blog, has compiled a sampling of web-based resources to help elders and their families manage the risk of falling.

Check out "Old Age blog" by Jane Gross