Fall Prevention Program
A year-round balance and strength program for older adults in Newmarket
Why Fall Prevention Matters
Spectrum Physiotherapy’s Fall Prevention Program is an ongoing, year-round program for older adults in Newmarket and across York Region who want to improve their balance, strength and confidence on their feet. Each participant is assessed by a registered physiotherapist, then works on a tailored exercise plan in a small, supervised group.
Falls are common, but many of the factors behind them can be improved:
- An estimated 20% to 30% of Canadian seniors fall each year.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors.
- Falls cost Canada an estimated $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs.
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, Seniors’ Falls in Canada: Second Report.
How Exercise Helps Prevent Falls
Regular exercise that challenges balance and builds leg strength is one of the best-supported ways to lower the risk of falling. A large review of exercise programs for older adults found that exercise reduced the rate of falls by about 21%, with greater benefits from programs that included balance training (Sherrington et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017).
The program focuses on:
- Strength: especially in the legs, hips and core, the muscles that keep you steady
- Balance: standing and walking exercises that safely challenge your stability
- Mobility and coordination: moving more easily during everyday tasks
- Reaction time: helping your body respond to a trip or stumble
- Confidence: feeling safer and more willing to stay active
How the Program Works
- Individual assessment: a registered physiotherapist assesses your balance, strength, walking and fall risk, and builds an exercise plan for your needs.
- Small, supervised groups: classes run in small groups of about 4 to 5 people, supported by a kinesiologist, so each participant gets attention and guidance.
- 6-week blocks: each program runs for 6 weeks, with classes weekly or every other week.
- Year-round: the program runs throughout the year, so you can start when it suits you. Contact us for the next start date.
If the assessment shows that one-on-one physiotherapy would suit you better to begin with, for example after a recent fall, injury or surgery, your physiotherapist will discuss that with you. You can also read more about physiotherapy for balance and fall prevention and our physiotherapy for seniors.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
- The program may be partly or fully covered by your extended health insurance.
- We offer direct billing to many extended health plans.
- Contact us for current fees and to check your coverage before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Fall Prevention Program for?
Older adults who feel less steady than they used to, have noticed a decline in strength or mobility, are worried about falling, or want to stay active and independent. You don’t need to have fallen to join.
Is the program offered all year?
Yes. The program runs year-round in 6-week blocks. Contact us to find out when the next group starts.
Can I join if I use a cane or walker?
Your physiotherapist will assess your balance and mobility first and recommend whether the group program or one-on-one physiotherapy is the safest place to start. Exercises are adapted to each person’s ability.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. In Ontario, you can book directly with a physiotherapist. Some extended health plans require a referral for reimbursement, so check your plan first.
How do I get started?
Book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists. They’ll review your balance, strength and goals and let you know whether the program is a good fit. Contact Spectrum Physiotherapy or call 905-853-2511 to ask about the next start date.
References
- Clemson, Lindy, et al. “Integration of balance and strength training into daily life activity to reduce rate of falls in older people (the LiFE study): randomised parallel trial.” BMJ, vol. 345, 2012, e4547.
- Gillespie, Lesley D., et al. “Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 9, 2012
- Howe TE, et al. “Exercise for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 7, 2011.
- Public Health Agency of Canada. (2014). Seniors’ falls in Canada: Second report.
- Sherrington, C., et al. “Exercise to prevent falls in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 51, no. 24, 2017, pp. 1750-1758.
- Silsupadol, Patima, et al. “Training-related changes in dual-task walking performance of elderly persons with balance impairment: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.” Gait & Posture, vol. 29, no. 4, 2009, pp. 634-639.
