Fall Risk Assessment
Reviewed
Also called: Fall Risk Evaluation, Fall Risk Screening, Fall Risk Assessment and Intervention
A fall risk assessment checks to see how likely it is that you will fall. It is mostly done for older adults.
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- Yearly screening recommended by the CDC and American Geriatrics Society for all adults 65 years and older
- If you have had a fall in the past year
- If you feel unsteady when standing or walking
- If you are worried about falling
- If you have symptoms such as dizziness, irregular heartbeats, or blood pressure that drops too much when you stand up
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a fall risk assessment.
The assessment usually includes: An initial screening. A set of tasks known as fall assessment tools. These tools test your strength, balance, and gait (the way you walk). Your provider will check how long it takes you to do this.
There is a small risk that you might fall while you are doing the assessment.
Understanding results
The results may show you have a low, moderate, or high risk of falling.
- Higher risk of falling: If it takes you 12 seconds or more, it may mean you are at higher risk for a fall. Limitation: There are many factors that increase the risk of falling in older adults. Next step: Based on your results, your provider may make recommendations to reduce your risk of falling.
- Areas increasing fall risk identified (gait, strength, balance): They also may show which areas may be increasing your risk for falls (e.g., gait, strength, and/or balance). Limitation: Some medicines have side effects that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. Next step: Exercising to improve your strength and balance. You may be given instructions on specific exercises or be referred to a physical therapist.
- This is a screening assessment, not a diagnostic test. It does not diagnose any condition.
- There is a small risk that you might fall while doing the assessment tasks.
- Results may be influenced by temporary factors such as fatigue or illness.
- The assessment may not capture all individual risk factors for falling.
- Interpretation of results should be done by a healthcare professional.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results and/or recommendations, talk to your provider.
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
- Are you worried about falling?
- What medicines are you currently taking?
- Are there any safety hazards in your home, such as loose rugs or poor lighting?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.