What is a fall risk assessment?
Falls are common in adults 65 years of age and older. In the United States, about a third of older adults who live at home and about half of people living in nursing homes fall at least once a year. There are many factors that increase the risk of falling in older adults. These include mobility problems, balance disorders, chronic illnesses, and impaired vision. Many falls cause at least some injury. These range from mild bruising to broken bones, head injuries, and even death. In fact, falls are a leading cause of death in older adults.
A fall risk assessment checks to see how likely it is that you will fall. It is mostly done for older adults. The assessment usually includes:
An initial screening. This includes a series of questions about your overall health and if you've had previous falls or problems with balance, standing, and/or walking.
A set of tasks, known as fall assessment tools. These tools test your strength, balance, and gait (the way you walk).
Other names: fall risk evaluation, fall risk screening, assessment, and intervention
