Fall risk check for older adults

Twelve quick questions to see whether you, or an elderly parent, may be at higher risk of falling, and what to do about it. Adapted from the CDC's validated Stay Independent checklist.

Adapted for Indian homes by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT.

Answer for yourself, or go through it together with your parent. For each statement, choose yes or no.

  1. 1.Has fallen in the past year

  2. 2.Uses, or has been advised to use, a walking stick or walker to get around safely

  3. 3.Sometimes feels unsteady when walking

  4. 4.Steadies themselves by holding on to furniture when walking at home

  5. 5.Is worried about falling

  6. 6.Needs to push with their hands to stand up from a chair

  7. 7.Has some trouble stepping up onto a step or kerb

  8. 8.Often has to rush to the toilet

  9. 9.Has lost some feeling in their feet

  10. 10.Takes medicine that sometimes makes them light-headed or more tired than usual

  11. 11.Takes medicine to help them sleep or improve their mood

  12. 12.Often feels sad or depressed

0 of 12 answered

Answers stay in your browser and are not sent to us. This is a screening check, not a diagnosis. After a fall with injury, head knock or new confusion, seek medical care.

Why falls matter so much in later life

Falls are one of the main reasons older adults lose their independence. A hip or wrist fracture, or simply the fear of falling again, can lead to moving less, getting weaker and falling again. Many falls happen at home, in the bathroom, on stairs, or on the way to the toilet at night.

The good news is that fall risk can be lowered. Balance and leg strength respond to training at any age, medicines can be reviewed, and homes can be made safer. A check like this is a starting point for those conversations.

What to do when a parent falls Making an Indian home safe Arranging care from another city

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my elderly parent is at risk of falling?
The strongest signs are a fall in the past year, needing a walking aid, feeling unsteady, holding furniture to walk, and needing to push up with the hands to stand from a chair. This check covers these and other common risk factors. A score of 4 or more suggests a higher risk and is worth discussing with a doctor and a physiotherapist.
Where does this check come from?
It is adapted from the "Stay Independent" checklist used in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STEADI programme for preventing falls in older adults. The questions were studied and validated in older adults. We have adjusted the wording for Indian homes and for families answering with a parent; the scoring is unchanged.
Can falls in older adults be prevented?
Many can. The measures with the best evidence are regular balance and strength exercise, a review of medicines by a doctor, eyesight checks, suitable footwear and fixing hazards at home. In research studies, exercise programmes for older adults reduce the rate of falls by roughly a quarter.
My parent scored low but I am still worried. What should I do?
Trust your instinct. The check is a screening tool, not a full assessment. A physiotherapist can assess balance, strength and walking properly, by video at home with a family member or helper present.
Are the answers stored?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser and nothing is sent to us.

Source: adapted from the CDC STEADI "Stay Independent" brochure, based on Rubenstein LZ et al., Journal of Safety Research, 2011.

Dr. Rajendra

Adapted by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT. Licensed to practice in the US (NY state) and UK (HCPC).
20 years of clinical experience. About Dr. Rajendra