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Falls - risk assessment - Management
How should I assess people for risk of falling?
- Ask the person whether they have fallen in the last year.
- If a fall has occurred, ask about:
- The circumstances in which the fall occurred, and whether any symptoms were associated with it (for example lightheadedness). If possible, obtain an eye-witness account.
- How often the person has fallen.
- Identify other possible risk factors for falling:
- Conditions that affect mobility or balance (such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, arrhythmias, heart failure).
- Visual impairment.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Excess consumption of alcohol.
- Frailty (for example physical disability, general weakness).
- Drug treatments:
- Polypharmacy (taking four or more drugs).
- Drugs that can cause postural hypotension (such as antihypertensives).
- Psychoactive drugs (such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants).
- Examine and assess the person's:
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