Fall assessment in older people

SUMMARY POINTS Fall risk screening identifies people at increased risk of falls who need detailed fall risk assessment and intervention, which can in turn prevent falls and fall related injusy Quick validated fall risk screening tools for older people are available for community, hospital, and nursing and residential care settings Screen older people living in the community for fall risk every 12monthsand assess for risk factors after a fall Fall risk in hospital inpatients is changeable because physical and cognitive abilities may alter during a hospital stay Although all older people in nursing and residential care are at high risk of falls, a screening tool that includes their ability to stand unaided and risk factors such as cognitive impairment, incontinence, and drug use can provide extra information about fall risk