Steady on Your Feet: Physiotherapy for Older Adults
Our physiotherapists help older adults become stronger, steadier and more confident, so they can keep doing the things that matter to them. Whether you’ve had a fall, feel less steady than you used to, or are recovering from illness, a hospital stay or surgery, we’ll assess what’s going on and build a practical plan with you. Our clinic in Mereworth has free parking outside, and our GPs are in the same building.
Who this is for
- You have had a fall, or a near miss, in the last year
- You feel unsteady walking, on stairs or getting up from a chair
- You’ve started holding on to furniture or avoiding going out
- You feel weaker after an illness, a hospital stay or a period of being less active
- You’re recovering from a hip or knee replacement or another operation [confirm scope]
- You live with arthritis, osteoporosis or a long-term condition and want to stay active safely
- A family member is worried about your balance or mobility
What happens at your assessment
You’re very welcome to bring a family member or friend. We will:
- Talk through any falls or near misses, your health, your medicines and what you’d like to be able to do.
- Check your balance, walking, leg strength and how easily you get up from a chair, using simple, well-established tests.
- Talk about your home, footwear and anything that makes falls more likely.
- Explain what we’ve found and what it means for you.
- Give you a personalised strength and balance plan that you can do safely at home, with written instructions.
Improving strength and balance takes regular practice over several months. Follow-up appointments move your exercises on, keep you motivated and check your progress.
Joined-up care with our GPs
Falls often have more than one cause. As well as strength and balance, things like medicines, blood pressure dropping when you stand, eyesight, bone health and continence can all play a part. Because our GPs work in the same clinic, we can ask for a GP review if something needs checking, and share our findings with your NHS GP if you’d like.
Home visits
If travelling to the clinic is difficult, we can visit you at home within about 10 miles of Mereworth. Seeing you at home also lets us give practical advice about stairs, rugs, lighting and getting up safely.
Our clinic
- Free parking right outside
- Accessible clinic [confirm step-free access and seating]
- Unhurried appointments
- Family members welcome
When to get urgent help
Call 999 if someone has fallen and cannot get up, has hurt their head and is drowsy or confused, or has chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke. See a GP or call NHS 111 promptly if falls are sudden and new, if you blacked out or felt faint before falling, or if you have new dizziness, confusion or weakness.
A note for families
If you’re worried about a parent or relative, you’re welcome to call us to talk it through, or to book and come along to the appointment with them. Signs worth acting on include a fall or near miss, holding on to furniture to get around, new bruises, walking more slowly, or stopping activities they used to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with us, or a family member can book on your behalf with your agreement.
Can physiotherapy really reduce falls?
Yes. Regular, progressive strength and balance exercise is one of the best-evidenced ways of reducing falls in older adults. The key is doing the right exercises, often enough, for long enough, which is where a physiotherapist helps.
I’m nervous about exercising. Is it safe?
We start from where you are and build up gradually. Everything we suggest is tailored to you, and we make sure you feel safe doing it at home.
Can someone come with me?
Yes, family members and friends are very welcome.
Can you see me at home?
[If offered: Yes, within about 8 miles of Mereworth. See fees above.]
Will you talk to my GP?
With your permission, we can share our findings with your NHS GP, and our own GPs are on hand if you need a medical review.
Your physiotherapist
Nicole Ruiz, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, MAPCP. Nicole has worked in NHS community rehabilitation, hospital-based care and community neurology, and has a particular interest in helping people of all ages stay steady, confident and independent. Read more about Nicole
Book an appointment
Book online with Steph or Nicole or call us on 01732 79 24 24. Not sure whether physiotherapy is right? Get in touch and we’ll help you decide.
1A Mereworth Business Centre, Dann’s Lane, Mereworth, Kent ME18 5LW. Free parking outside the clinic.