Screening of falls efficacy

Identifying of falls risk is critical to help individuals to be aware whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk of falling. If the assessment shows that the individual is at an increased risk, then appropriate steps can be taken to manage the chances of falls and injury.

Assessment usually includes:

(1) An initial screening

(2) A more indepth assessment using various fall assessment tools. These tools test for strength, balance and gait.

For the recommendations from APTA Geriatrics, please click on this link for more information.

Psychological factors as a risk of falling

Presently, two psychological factors have been identified as predictive factors for falling – Fear of Falling and Balance Confidence. During the screening, two questions will be asked, “Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?”, and “Are you worried about falling?”, beside finding out the self-reported fall history (i.e., “Have you fallen in the past year?”)

Those who have indicated yes to any of the three questions, will be considered to be at risk. Further assessment will be conducted based on the checklist of fall risk factors.

To investigate discrepancy in falls efficacy, click the link here to see more information

Interventional strategies

Addressing poor gait, strength, and balance

Optimising medications that are likely to increase fall risk

Evaluating home safety

Education and management of orthostatic hypotension

Addressing visual impairment

Reviewing of feet and footwear issues

Recommendation of daily vitamin D supplement for those with Vitamin D deficiency

Optimising comorbidities

Wondering – How do we address falls efficacy?

Click the link here for a list of interventions targeting falls efficacy