Balance Self Test

Are You Worried About Your Balance? Do You Want to Know Your Fall Risk?

Falls are the leading cause of injury in people over 60 and the top cause of accidental death for those over 65. The good news: most balance problems are highly improvable when caught and treated early. The first step is knowing where you stand.

This self-test is adapted from the CDC's Stay Independent fall-risk checklist, part of their STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative. It takes about two minutes. Read each statement and check the box if it represents you today.

Choose all that apply to you

• I have fallen in the past year. (2 points)
• I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely. (2 points)
• Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking.
• I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home.
• I am worried about falling.
• I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair.
• I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb.
• I often have to rush to the toilet.
• I have lost some feeling in my feet.
• I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel light-headed or more tired than usual.
• I take medicine to help me sleep or improve my mood.
• I often feel sad or depressed.

What Your Score Means

Add up the points for each item you checked (note: the first two items are worth 2 points each; the rest are worth 1 point each).

• 4 or more points: Your responses suggest you may be at higher risk for a fall. We strongly recommend an evaluation so we can look at exactly which systems are contributing to your unsteadiness — and what we can do to improve them.
• 1–3 points: You have some early warning signs. The Balance & Stability Protocol is most effective when started before a fall happens, so this is a good time to come in for an evaluation.
• 0 points: Your responses suggest your fall risk is currently low. If anything changes, or if you simply want to maintain stability as you age, we're here to help.

What's Next?

If you're concerned about your balance — for yourself or a loved one — don't wait for an accident to happen. Contact The Busch Chiropractic Center today at (260) 471-4090 to learn more about how the Balance & Stability Protocol can significantly improve your quality of life.

Source: Adapted from the CDC's Stay Independent / STEADI fall-prevention initiative. This self-test is for educational purposes and does not replace a clinical evaluation.