happy couple with falling leaves in a park
October 07, 2025October 7, 2025
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Falling Leaves, Not Falling People

Sydney Schimmelman PTBy Sydney Schimmelman, PT, DPT, Therapy Services

Strength, balance, and simple home adjustments can help keep you safe this season.

It’s the time of year when the leaves start to change color and begin to fall, which means there will be snow falling in a few short months. With the changing of the season, there can also be a decrease in activity levels, which can lead to an increased risk of falling. Each year, millions of falls occur, and these falls can lead to injury and hospitalization. Some things that may make someone more prone to a fall are weakness, difficulties with walking and balance, improper use of an assistive walking device, certain medications, improper footwear, and increased clutter around the house.

3 Key Systems That Help Control Balance

The three significant things that play into someone’s balance are proprioception, the vestibular system, and vision.

  • Proprioception – This relies on sensors throughout your body to relay information about where your joints are in space.
  • Vestibular System – A small structure within your ear that sends signals to your brain, telling it if your head is moving or not.
  • Vision – A major part of balance. Your vision brings information to your brain about your surroundings and helps cue the body to prepare so you do not lose your balance.

5 Fall Prevention Tips

Just because the leaves and soon-to-be snow are falling does not mean you need to fall as well. Here are some ways to prevent falls.

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about medications.
    • If you feel unsteady or off balance, review your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines with your doctor. Some medications can cause dizziness or affect your coordination.
  • Remove trip hazards in the home.
    • Remove small throw rugs that can slip or trip you. Keep books, papers, shoes, and clothes picked up from major walk areas.
  • Add lighting to improve visibility.
    • Use night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways so you can see clearly if you get up during the night.
  • Wear proper footwear inside and outside the home.
    • Have adequate footwear for both indoor and outdoor. Avoid wearing loose-fitted shoes such as slippers. Instead, wear well-fitted shoes with proper support and slip-resistant soles.
  • Exercise for balance.
    • Regular exercise helps build strength and assist with your balance.
    • If you are at a higher risk for falls or are concerned, physical therapy is a great way to help with a guided strengthening and balance program. A physical therapist can help you find exercises that will best benefit you. They will be there to help guide and assist you with higher-level balance exercises to further work on improving your balance and decreasing your risk for falls.
    • If it is applicable, a physical therapist can also assist you in finding the best and safest assistive walking device for you.

Let the leaves and the snow be the only thing that falls this year.