fall risk checklist
by Rein Tideiksaar, PhD
| Factors |
Recommended Interventions |
Recent
Fall(s) |
Obtain Fall History; circumstances of fall (s):
- Symptoms associated with fall (s)
- Previous falls (past 3 months)
- Location of fall (s)
- Activity at time if fall (s)
- Time of fall (s)
- Trauma associated with fall (s)
Evaluate for presence of osteoporosis and treat as appropriate.
Ask about falls/evaluate fall risk on regular basis. |
Sensory
Reduced vision (cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration)
|
- Evaluate vision and treat as appropriate.
- Physical/occupational therapy home safety evaluation
|
|
Underlying Medical Conditions
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Bladder Dysfunction (urge incontinence, nocturia, frequency)
- Muscle Weakness (especially lower extremities)
- Foot Disorder
- Degenerative Joint Disease (especially hips/knees)
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Gait & Balance Disorder
|
- Evaluate medical conditions and treat as appropriate.
|
|
Psychological Status
- Depression/Anxiety
- Cognitive Impairment
- Safety Awareness (Judgment)
- Fear of Falling
|
- Depression/cognitive assessment.
- Treat identified conditions.
|
|
Medication Status
- 4 or > Prescription Medications
- Medication Noncompliance
- Psychotropic Medications, Sedatives, Anti-hypertensives (including diuretics)
|
- Review need for medications.
- Reduce dosages or eliminate as appropriate
- Simplify patient's medical regimen.
|
|
Functional Status
- Ambulation Impairment
- Transfer Impairment
- Balance Impairment
- Uses cane or walker
|
- Identify and treat responsible medical conditions.
- Muscle strengthening and balance exercises.
- Assistive ambulation device (cane, walker).
- Physical/occupational therapy home safety evaluation.
|
This and other helpful assessment tools are available as a printable pdf file.
Posted October 2005
Last Updated May 2008
