Falls risk factors - Stay On Your Feet
A falls risk factor is something that increases an older person’s chance of falling 114. Falls commonly result from a combination of risk factors 77 as 'the risk of falling increases with the number of risk factors that are present' 115. The number of risk factors also increases as a person ages 115.
This section provides comprehensive information about risk factors, what works to prevent falls, how to conduct falls screening and assessment and where to find out more.
About falls risk factors
Find out what risk factors are and why they are important in preventing falls.
What works to prevent falls
There has been extensive studies into which risk factors have the greatest association with falls. This section provides evidence, strategies and resources about what works to prevent falls, by risk factor:
- Physical activity
- Vision
- Medicines
- Safety in and around the home
- Nutrition
- Feet and footwear
- Continence
- Fear of falling
Falls risk factor screening
- Individual falls risk factor screening (including screening tools)
- Community falls risk factor screening (including screening tools)
Research related to falls risk factors
- Reviews of socio-demographic factors related to falls and environmental interventions to prevent falls amongst older people living in the community, World Health Organisation, 2007
- Biological, medical and behavioural risk factors on falls, World Health Organisation, 2007
- What are the main risk factors for falls amongst older people and what the most effective interventions to prevent falls?, World Health Organisation, 2004
To find out more about risk factors
For more in-depth information about falls risk factors, risk awareness, risk screening and assessment methods, refer to the Queensland Stay On Your Feet® Community Good Practice Guidelines