Assessing the fall risk level for seniors at home

The ability to undertake daily activities reduces as we or our loved one’s age or get weaker. Occasionally, health conditions shift rapidly, eyesight and hearing abilities deteriorate, prescriptions increase, and mobility and activities shift. In some ways, all of the changes may raise the danger of falling for seniors who want to stay at home in their familiar environment.

A fall can occur due to a variety of factors in the home, including a lack of lighting, a wet floor, a rug, weakness, a lack of balance or reflex, poor eyesight, and a variety of other factors.

To figure out what home modifications need to be made, a full personal and house assessment is required. Some seniors find it difficult to take care of themselves; bathing, showering, dressing, and toileting become a chore for them. We've included some tips on what to look for during these assessments below. This is the first step towards avoiding the dreaded hospital visit, an injury, or a handicap.

What to look for during a personal assessment

•  Changes in sight or hearing: Do they need contact lenses or glasses or hearing aids to function?

• Is their memory sufficient to remember to use these aids when necessary?

• Medication changes and side effects: Is there a drug that makes them dizzy?

• Do they drink alcohol? What is their intake level?

• Are they sleeping well? Are they tired?

• Do they need or use any mobility assistive devices to support them when walking or standing up e.g., a cane, walker?

• What kind of shoes do they wear? Do they have a smooth sole or is the heel too thin or thick?

•  Are they physically active?

• Can they stand for a time without needing support?

• Is the length of their clothing appropriate? Too long or touching the floor?

What to look for during an environmental assessment of the house

• Are the hallways clear of clutter? Clutter can be an obstruction.

• Is there enough lighting in the house; the hallways from the bedroom to the bathroom during the night? Is the switch easily reachable?

• Are rugs secure in place with no tears? Wrinkles and tears can cause seniors to trip.

• How low or how high are the chairs or bed? How difficult is it to get out of bed or the chairs?

• What kind of flooring is in the home? Highly polished floors can cause a slip.

• Are there any mechanisms for support in the home or outside ?     

• Are the cupboards reachable easily? Is there anything out of reach?

• Are there any uneven, cracked floors, inside or outside in the pathways?

Watch for our next article, in which we'll talk about the modifications that can be done to reduce the likelihood of falling.