What to Expect During a Fall Risk Assessment in Grand Rapids, MI

What to Expect During a Fall Risk Assessment in Grand Rapids, MI

August 26, 2025

“I didn’t know what to expect…”

This is what I hear almost every time I walk through the door for a fall risk assessment in Grand Rapids, MI.

Most people imagine something clinical — clipboards, white coats, and a long checklist. But here’s the truth: a fall risk assessment with Vitality At Home feels a lot more like sitting down with a trusted friend — who just happens to be a physical therapist — to create a plan that keeps you safe, confident, and moving independently.

If you’ve been wondering what an in-home fall risk assessment really looks like, let me take you behind the scenes.

Step One: The Conversation

When I arrive at your home for your in-home fall risk assessment, the first thing we do is talk.
I ask questions like:

● Have you noticed feeling unsteady lately?

● Have you had any slips, trips, or close calls?

● What activities do you want to keep doing — walking at Millennium Park, gardening, or chasing your grandkids?

This conversation matters because fall prevention isn’t just about exercises — it’s about your confidence, your habits, and your lifestyle.

Step Two: Watching How You Move

Next, we look at how you move — and no, it’s not intimidating.

During your fall risk assessment, I’ll ask you to:

● Walk across the room at your natural pace.

● Stand up from a chair.

● Balance in place for a few seconds.

These quick tests show me how steady you are, how strong your legs feel, and whether your balance needs a boost. No pressure, no judgment — just information to build the safest, most effective plan for you.

Step Three: The Home Walkthrough

Here’s where the magic happens during an in-home fall risk assessment.

We walk through your home together so I can see the real-life environment you move through every day.

Sometimes, it’s the small things:

● A throw rug that slips near the sink.

● A dark hallway leading to the bathroom.

● Shoes left near the door that could cause a trip.

Other times, it’s about planning for the bigger changes:
● Installing grab bars in the bathroom.

● Adding motion-sensor lights on stairs.

● Adjusting shelf heights to avoid unsafe bending or reaching.

I’ll also point out what you’re already doing well. For example, I often say, “This wide, clutter-free hallway is perfect — let’s keep it that way.”

Step Four: Creating Your Plan

After the walk-through, we sit down and create a personalized fall prevention plan just for you.

This includes:

Custom balance and strength exercises you can do safely at home.

Specific home safety suggestions based on what we saw together.

Recommendations for your health team, like talking with your doctor about medications or scheduling a hearing or vision exam.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter approach — it’s your unique plan to stay safe and independent in your home.

Why Grand Rapids Residents Love In-Home Fall Risk Assessments

The feedback I get after most fall risk assessments in Grand Rapids is consistent:

● “This was so much easier than I expected.”

● “I can’t believe no one pointed out that rug before.”

● “I feel hopeful for the first time in a while.”

And that’s exactly the point — this process is meant to be simple, empowering, and practical.

A Grand Rapids Story

Take Sharon, for example.

She lives in East Grand Rapids and hadn’t had a fall but had started avoiding her basement laundry area because the stairs felt intimidating.

During her fall risk assessment, we identified two issues:

● Dim lighting on the stairway.

● Slight hesitation and slower balance responses when turning.

We added bright, motion-sensor lights and introduced balance exercises to improve stability. A few weeks later, she called and said, “I did my laundry today — no hesitation, no fear.”
That’s the power of an in-home fall risk assessment — practical, real-world solutions.

Why Choose Vitality At Home

There are plenty of balance programs out there, but Vitality At Home offers something special:
One-on-one attention — No group classes or distractions; just focused, personalized care.

Real-world solutions — Everything we teach is designed for your home, your environment, and your lifestyle.

Evidence-based programs — We use proven strategies like the Otago Exercise Program, which reduces falls by up to 40%.

Ongoing support — We follow up, adjust your program as you progress, and make sure you stay confident and safe.

Partnering for Safer Homes

If your fall risk assessment uncovers the need for bigger home modifications — like ramps, walk-in showers, or stair railings — we’ll connect you with our trusted local partner, Home Safe Home.

A skilled occupational therapist will perform a home safety assessment, then their professional contractors handle the installation — a one-stop shop for keeping your home safe and accessible.

Your Next Steps

Here’s how to take action today:

1. Call us at (616) 644-9155 or visit www.vitalityptgr.com.

2. Schedule your fall risk assessment in Grand Rapids, MI — it’s quick, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.

3. Start your personalized plan and feel the difference as you gain strength, confidence, and peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

A fall risk assessment isn’t about pointing out what’s wrong — it’s about creating solutions that keep you steady, safe, and independent.

If you’ve had a close call, noticed changes in your balance, or just want the confidence of knowing your home supports your independence, now is the perfect time to schedule your fall risk assessment in Grand Rapids.

Call us today at (616) 644-9155 and take the first step toward a safer, stronger you.

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