Fall Risk

Falls in older adults rarely have a single cause. A sedating medicine may slow reaction time; weak legs or impaired balance then make a minor misstep harder to correct, while poor lighting or an unstable rug turns that misstep into a fall. The assessment begins with a brief screen. For every adult aged 65 years or older, screen at least annually and repeat the screen sooner after a change in clinical status. Use a brief tool such as the Three-Question Approach or Staying Independent checklist. A positive screen, or any reported fall, triggers a comprehensive multifactorial assessment of medications, medical conditions, strength, balance, gait, the home environment, and osteoporosis risk. The aim is not simply to label someone high risk. It is to find modifiable contributors, protect the person during mobility assessment, and match prevention to the risks found. Exercise that improves strength, balance, and gait is the most effective single fall-prevention intervention; medication review and home-safety changes address other major modifiable hazards.