Balance and Fall Prevention in Tulare County

Our passion is to keep seniors active and enjoying life, free from the debilitating effects of a fall. People with balance and dizziness problems can have difficulty performing the simplest tasks: getting out of a chair, walking through a house, shopping for groceries. The good news is we can help!

At Kaweah Health, our balance and fall prevention program aims to help people compensate for this loss or imbalance within the vestibular system. This exercise program is designed by specially-trained therapists and provides personalized treatment for each patient which includes:

• Information about their condition
• Exercises and activities to perform during therapy and at home
• Tips to increase safety and independence at home, work and in the community
• Posture and body mechanics training
• Referrals to other healthcare professionals if needed.

Medicare covers Balance and Fall Prevention. To make an appointment with a specialist at Kaweah Health, patients need a doctor's referral.

Locations

This program is offered at the following locations:

• Exeter Therapy Specialists
• Therapy Specialists (Rehabilitation Hospital)

Call us at (559) 624-3700 with questions or feedback.

Fall Prevention Resources

Have you fallen in the last six months? Or, do have trouble with tripping, swaying, stumbling, and dizziness?

Consider:

A Free Balance Screening. Free 15-minute balance screenings are offered from 2-3 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Therapist Specialists. Interested? Call 624-3700 to schedule an appointment.

A Balance Evaluation. Go to the following Physical Therapy locations for a thorough evaluation and treatment of your balance. Insurance covers physical therapy treatment for balance.

• Kaweah Health Rehabilitation Hospital, 840 S. Akers St., Visalia
• Exeter Therapy Specialists, 1131 W. Visalia Road, Exeter
• Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, 840 S. Akers St., Visalia
• Therapy Specialists, 1337 S. Lovers Lane, Visalia
• Dinuba Therapy Specialists, 355 Monte Vista, Suite C, Dinuba

Additional Community Resources

Tai Chi Classes. Research has shown that Tai Chi reduces falls up to 67% and can help with balance.

Take A Class At

Therapy Specialists
820 S. Akers St., Suite 200, Visalia

• Offerings: Beginning and advanced classes.
• Cost: $7.50-$10 per class
• Info: 624-3427

Visalia Senior Center
310 N. Locust St., Visalia.

• Offerings: Through the City of Visalia Recreation Department
• Cost: $5 (morning) to $6.50 (evening)
• Info: 713-4365

The Lifestyle Center
5105 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia

• Offerings: Steady Steps Class, a class focused on balance and coordination. Sit-N-Be Fit Class, a group exercise class where participants sit in a chair and improve strength and flexibility.
• Cost: $15, non-members; free, members.
• Info: 624-3400

Club 50
215 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia, CA 93277

• Offerings: Club 50 is a senior fitness program operated by The Lifestyle Center of Visalia and overseen by an exercise physiologist. The program runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of the Sequoias. Program offers weight room, treadmills, and Sit-N-Be Fit class and a low impact aerobics class.
• Cost: $40/year
• Info: 735-0754

Empowerment for Better Living Workshops

• Offerings: Workshops for people with chronic illness or family/friends of a person with a chronic disease interested in learning how to live a healthier life. Includes fall prevention tips and better balance exercises.
• Cost: Free
• Info: 624-2416 or www.kaweahdelta.org/livebetter