Rehabilitation Services

Loss of balance, dizziness and falls are common problems for over 30% of older people. Falls alone account for 69% of injury related to hospital admissions for Victorians aged over 65. Falls often lead to loss of independence at home. If the cause of your falls is unknown, you may benefit from an assessment at the Falls and Balance clinic.

What is the Falls and Balance Clinic?

The Falls and Balance Clinic is a specialist assessment clinic that can help you, your family and your general practitioner (GP) understand why you may be experiencing:

• Falls or nearly falling
• Dizziness
• Balance problems

Who does the assessment?

The clinic is staffed by a team of professionals with expertise and experience in the diagnosis of balance problems, dizziness and falls. The team consists of a rehabilitation physician (doctor), physiotherapist, and occupational therapist.

What does the clinic involve?

The clinic operates at Belmont Community Health Centre on Thursday mornings in the Community Rehabilitation Centre. The initial assessment may take up to two and a half hours. You will have the opportunity to discuss your needs with a specialist doctor and ask any questions you may have. A physiotherapist will look at your balance, muscle strength and coordination. A visit to your home by an occupational therapist may be offered if needed. At the end of your assessment, an individual care plan will be developed for you with our recommendations.

Referrals

If the cause for falling is unknown, your GP can refer you to this clinic.

A GP, medical specialist or any health professional can make a referral. However, a letter from a GP is required prior to assessment. Once your referral is received, our falls and balance coordinator will contact you with more information.

Referrals are received by:

Email:            F&This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Post:              Falls and Balance Clinic, Belmont Community Rehabilitation Centre

                          1-17 Reynolds Road, Belmont 3216

                          PO Box 281, Geelong VIC 3220

Electronic referral:  referralNET (Geelong region only)

In your referral, please include a summary of the person’s medical diagnosis, current symptoms, issues, and any relevant risks. 

All referrals are triaged and if not suitable, the referral may be forwarded on to a more appropriate service with feedback provided to the referrer.