Falls and mobility
Falls assessment in Sheffield
Falls in older adults are common, but they are not a normal part of ageing. They usually have causes that can be found and treated: balance problems, medicines, blood pressure, heart rhythm or other medical conditions. I’m Dr Pravin Jha, a consultant geriatrician. I find out why falls are happening and put a plan in place to prevent the next one. No GP referral is needed, and I can usually see you within 24–48 hours. A new clinic consultation is £400, including a written report.
Why falls matter
Why falls matter
Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults lose independence. Even one fall can lead to injury, loss of confidence and fear of walking.
Many people become less active after a fall. That leads to weakness and more falls. Early assessment breaks this cycle.
The facts
- About 1 in 3 people over 65 fall each year
- Falls can cause fractures, head injury and hospital admission
- Recurrent falls usually have treatable causes
Causes
What are the common causes of falls?
Falls are rarely “just ageing”. They are usually caused by several things together: dizziness and balance problems, medicine side effects, drops in blood pressure, muscle weakness, poor eyesight, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis or memory problems.
- Balance, strength and walking
- Medicines and side effects
- Blood pressure and heart rhythm
- Dizziness and blackouts
- Memory, attention and judgement
- Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions
- Bone strength and fracture risk
- Hazards at home and footwear
When to seek help
When to seek specialist help for falls
Seek an assessment if:
- you have had more than one fall
- the cause of a fall is unclear
- a fall came with dizziness or a blackout
- you were injured or hit your head
- your walking or confidence has got worse
Get urgent help
If a fall comes with sudden weakness, speech difficulty, a severe head injury or chest pain, call 999. After a head injury, anyone taking blood-thinning medicines should be checked urgently the same day.
A structured process
What a falls assessment involves
Detailed clinical assessment
- full history of each fall: circumstances and triggers
- medicines review
- heart, blood pressure and neurological examination
Balance and mobility
- how you walk and turn
- strength, balance and everyday function
Memory and thinking, if needed
Changes in memory or attention can contribute to falls.
Targeted tests
- blood tests
- ECG or heart rhythm monitoring
- scans, if required
What you get
- a clear explanation of why falls are happening
- a personalised plan to reduce future risk
- changes to medicines where helpful
- advice on mobility, safety and independence
Independence
How falls affect independence
Many people limit walking or avoid going out after a fall. This leads to reduced mobility, isolation and further loss of strength and balance. Early assessment is about preventing injury, and also about keeping independence and quality of life.
Can falls be prevented?
Yes. Most falls can be reduced by finding and treating the underlying causes: adjusting medicines, improving strength and balance, managing blood pressure, protecting bones and treating medical conditions.
Questions about falls
How do I book a falls assessment?
Use the booking form or call. You can also book clinic appointments directly with Spire Claremont, Circle Thornbury or LivingCare. A GP referral can help but is not required.
How quickly can I be seen privately?
Usually within 24–48 hours for a clinic appointment, and often the same day for a home visit.
Are falls a normal part of ageing?
No. Falls are common, but they usually point to an underlying problem that should be assessed.
What is the most common cause of falls in older adults?
Most falls come from a combination of balance problems, medicines and blood pressure changes, rather than one cause.
When should I worry about a fall?
Seek an assessment if falls keep happening, are unexplained, or come with dizziness or a blackout.
Can falls be prevented?
Yes. Identifying and treating the underlying causes can substantially reduce future falls.
How much does a falls assessment cost?
A new clinic consultation is £400 for 60 minutes. A new home visit is £500 for 60 minutes plus travel. Both include a report to your GP.
Do you offer home visits in Sheffield?
Yes. Seeing someone at home also shows me the practical risks, such as stairs, lighting and rugs.
Appointments
Book a falls assessment
Most people are seen within 24–48 hours, and home visits can often be arranged the same day. Choose the place that suits you, or send the booking form and I’ll arrange it.
Spire Claremont Hospital
401 Sandygate Road, Sheffield
S10 5UBCircle Thornbury Hospital
312 Fulwood Road, Sheffield
S10 3BRLivingCare
Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield Medical Diagnostic Centre, Olympic Legacy Park, Worksop Road, Sheffield S9 3TL
S9 3TL
Home visits
Within 50 miles of Sheffield, often the same day.
New visit £500 (60 minutes). Travel included up to 10 miles.
Video consultations
By secure video link, UK-wide.
New consultation £300 (30 minutes). Includes a written report to you and your GP.
Related information
Sources and further reading
- NICE guideline NG249: Falls: assessment and prevention in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk
- NHS website: Falls
Written and reviewed by Dr Pravin Jha, Consultant Geriatrician & Memory Specialist. Last reviewed: September 2026.