Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with trips, slips and falls by older adults and others in and around their homes and the measures that can be taken prevent their occurrence. Delivery formats may include fact sheets, safety check lists or other informational materials; individual or group educational sessions which may include strength and balance exercises; and general media campaigns. The programs may address illnesses and other physical conditions that affect mobility and balance; "high-risk" medications or medication combinations that may cause drowsiness; lack or improper use of needed mobility aids; proper versus improper footwear; environmental safety hazards such as unsafe or unlighted stairways, uneven or slippery walking surfaces, obstacles such as throw rugs and exposed cords or wires, unsteady furniture or lack of grab bars and handrails; and other similar factors.

Programs that evaluate an individual's postural alignment, functional reach, standing balance and ability to go from sitting to standing to walking as a means of identifying personal risk factors for falls. Information regarding exercises that may improve balance and tips for avoiding falls may also be provided.

Programs that conduct an evaluation of individuals who have balance problems that includes observation of posture, balance, movement, and compensatory strategies; and develop an individualized treatment plan that includes specific head, body, and eye exercises that are performed both in the therapy setting and at home. Treatment may also include an increase in activities and exercise in order to strengthen muscles and increase the individual’s tolerance for symptom-provoking stimuli. The person may experience an initial increase in symptoms as the body and brain attempt to sort out the new pattern of movements, but with time and consistent practice, coordination of signals from the eyes, proprioception, and vestibular system can occur. Although VRT is most commonly offered by physical therapists, it can also be provided by physicians, occupational therapists or audiologists.

Any of a variety of conditions that are the result of an injury to or impairment of the central nervous system.

A group of disorders that impair the functioning of the human balance system which depends on the inner ear, the eyes, and the muscles and joints to transmit reliable information about the body’s movement and orientation. When the inner ear or other elements of the balance system are damaged, the result may be vertigo, dizziness and imbalance which make the individual susceptible to falling. Other symptoms include vision problems (difficulty focusing, light sensitivity, poor depth perception), hearing loss, tinnitus (a sensation that is often referred to as "ringing in the ears", although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking), difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental and/or physical fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Not all symptoms are experienced by every person with a balance disorder and additional symptoms are possible. Conditions that can lead to balance problems include bacterial or viral infections, head injuries, stroke, orthopedic injuries, osteoarthritis, neurological problems and problems that affect the blood supply to the inner ear. A number of problems associated with aging can also interfere with balance. These include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, all of which affect an individual’s vision; peripheral neuropathy, which affects position sense in the feet and legs; and vestibular-system degeneration. Treatment may include surgery to correct an inner ear problem, medication and/or vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

A condition that is characterized by the sensation that one's surroundings or self are spinning either horizontally or vertically. It is caused by a disturbance in the inner ear or the nerve tracks leading from them which arises as a result of inner ear disease, toxic conditions, sunstroke, postural hypotension or toxemia due to food poisoning or infectious disease.