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Assessment Tools for Falls

A number of tools are available to assess a person's risk for falls. Statistics from Colorado State University show that 75 percent of falls occur with elderly people, and many of these tools are aimed at assessing that population. The Minnesota Falls Prevention website recommends practitioners use the tool that is most appropriate for the individual client. The Ohio Department of Health names three commonly used assessment tools -- the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Get Up and Go, and the Falls Efficacy Scale, or FES.

  1. What Contributes to Falls

    • According to Colorado State University, five main risk factors increase the risk for a fall among the elderly population -- osteoporosis, lack of exercise, poor vision, medication and environmental factors. Osteoporosis leads to weak bones and contributes to fractures. Lack of exercise also contributes to weak bones and loss of strength and balance. Other health factors such as hearing, vision, or heart and blood pressure problems can lead to weakness or dizziness that can contribute to a fall. Certain medications have weakness or dizziness as side effects. Confusion or disorientation can lead to a fall, as can being in a new, unfamiliar environment. Stairs, throw rugs, slippery bath tubs, and pets are all environmental factors that can pose a problem.

    Tools That Assess Cognitive Issues

    • Certain tools address the cognitive issues that may contribute to falls. The Geriatric Depression Scale determines the level of depression the client may be experiencing. Depression can cause the client to pay less attention to the environment or to feel unsure of himself when moving about, or the client may be disoriented and confused. The MMSE, or Mini Mental State Exam, measures a person's memory, orientation to place and time, current state of awareness vs. confusion, and the ability to communicate clearly. The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Falls Efficacy Scale are used to determine the client's level of confidence when mobile.

    Tools That Assess Physical Issues

    • Tools for testing physical issues that may contribute to a fall include the Get Up and Go Test, which takes approximately five minutes to complete and measures such things as balance, gait and mobility. A test called Timed Get Up and Go also measures balance, gait and mobility. The Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment all measure a client's stability while performing certain activities of daily living.

    Tools That Assess Environmental Factors

    • The Morse Fall Scale is a comprehensive and commonly used tool in hospital and long-term care settings. Also used in long-term care is the Hendrich Fall Risk Assessment. OASIS, or Outcomes and Assessment Information Set, addresses environmental and other risk factors and is used frequently in home health situations. The St. Thomas Risk Assessment Tool, or STRATIFY, is used to assess the risk factors and likelihood of a fall.

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