management of fear of falling. In preparation for discharge, clinicians need to talk with

patients about fear of falling and how they will manage safely at home.

 (2) Post-stroke related changes in the body: resultant declines in balance, stability,

strength, and dizziness due to hemiplegia and paralysis were commonly discussed. Yates

and colleagues previously determined increased fall risks related to post-stroke motor

impairments [78]. This sample of post-stroke participants discussed decreased mobility

due to the stroke and how it related to increased risk of future falls and fear of falling.

Rehabilitation clinicians and researchers need to develop interventions to support

mobility and safety among those patients with post-stroke fear of falling.

 (3) Pervasive fear of future falls: many naturally discussed fear of falling, falls, and

balance issues when discussing post-stroke concerns and barriers. In contrast, others

discussed concern or trouble regarding balance, stability, strength, or their "legs giving

out" but did not admit to actual fear. Perhaps the stigma of "being afraid" was

overwhelming, especially for an all male veteran population. Researchers have

demonstrated increased likelihood of female fear of falling, perhaps our all male veteran

population were embarrassed to admit such fears [43, 144, 148, 155, 156]. The difference

in levels of fear may impact future research when assessing fear of falling evaluations

and preventative interventions. Participants not admitting to being fearful may require

different interventions to manage issues related to fear of falling and future falls.

 (4) Every day fear of falling: it became evident that different levels of fear of

falling existed within this population. There is an apparent continuum of fear of falling in

this post-stroke population. It ranges from a healthy sense of fear to an overwhelming, all

encompassing, everyday, obtrusive fear that is reflected in a "constant awareness" of falls