On gait and balance testing he is able to get up from a chair without assistance on his second try. He walks and turns normally except for decreased floor clearance in the swing phase of his gait. He can tandem walk and has no difficulty with heel or toe walking and sits down normally.

He is able to reach an object from a shelf above his head and pick up an object off the floor without difficulty.

However, his daughter advises that her father has stopped all of his outside activities due to his fear of falling again and feels unsure of himself.

Would you further evaluate the patient?

How would you assess the safety of his home?

Copyright 1999 by the GEC