Every 18 seconds a person is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Knowing your risk of falling is vital for your longevity and independence. Why not learn in a matter of 30 seconds what your risk is? Use the quiz below and improve your safety.
Fall Risk Self-Assessment Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your current health and living situation. For each “Yes” answer, score 1 point. At the end, total your score to determine your fall risk level.
1. Have you fallen in the past year?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
2. Do you feel unsteady when walking or standing?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
3. Do you worry about falling?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
4. Do you need to push with your hands to stand up from a chair?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
5. Do you have trouble stepping up onto a curb?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
6. Do you often have to rush to the bathroom?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
7. Do you have trouble seeing clearly (with or without glasses)?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
8. Do you take any medications that make you feel dizzy or light-headed?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
9. Do you use a cane, walker, or any other mobility aid?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
10. Do you feel weak in your legs or have difficulty walking?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
11. Do you have any chronic health conditions that affect your balance or mobility (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease)?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
12. Do you have difficulty getting up from a bed or chair without assistance?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
13. Is there clutter or loose rugs on your floors at home?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
14. Do you lack grab bars in your bathroom or railings on your stairs?
• Yes (1)
• No (0)
Total:
Scoring:
• 0-3 points: Low risk of falling
• 4-6 points: Moderate risk of falling
• 7 or more points: High risk of falling Recommendations:
Fall Risk Level:
• Low risk: Continue to stay active and maintain a safe home environment. Regular exercise, especially activities that improve balance and strength, can help reduce fall risk.
• Moderate risk: Consider consulting with a healthcare provider for a more detailed assessment. They may recommend specific exercises, physical therapy, or home modifications to reduce your risk.
• High risk: It is important to seek professional advice from a healthcare provider. They can perform a comprehensive fall risk assessment and provide personalized recommendations to improve safety and reduce the risk of falls.
Additional Tips for Fall Prevention:
• Keep your home well-lit, especially walkways and staircases.
• Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and electrical cords.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom and railings on stairs.
• Wear shoes with good support and non-slip soles.
• Have regular vision and hearing check-ups.
• Discuss any side effects of medications with your healthcare provider.
This self-assessment is a preliminary tool and should not replace a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional.
If you want more details on your balance check out the article below on "3 Fall Risk Assessments to Determine Your Fall Risk".
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Remember this information is for educational purposes only and should not be used for evaluation or treatment of yourself. Consult your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or other medical professionals for more information.
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