Self-evaluation - Fall Risk Screening Osteoporosis Evaluation

Fall risk screening is a simple screening test to assess the fall risk in elderly and provide information for follow up intervention.


1. Fall history

The risk of fall increase if the elderly experienced one or more previous fall. According to previous study, about 25% elderly experience recurrent fall.
Calculation method:
Had experience fall in the past 6 months - 2 marks
Had not experience fall in the past 6 months - 0 marks


2. Medical history and medication

Taking medication for hypertension, sleeplessness or diabetes may cause fainting in some elderly and increase the risk of fall. Medical conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's disease would also affect the balance and movement of the elderly and may increase the risk of fall.
Calculation method:
Elderly taking either medication on hypertension, sleeplessness or diabetes OR elderly suffering from stroke or Parkinson's disease - 1 mark
Not taking the medicine nor suffering from the conditions mentioned - 0 marks


3. Lower limb strength assessment

Elderly under test is required to get up from a stable chair within 2 seconds. Sufficient lower limb strength is required to complete this test.
Calculation method:
Unable to complete in 2 sec - 3 marks
Able to complete in 2 sec - 0 marks


4. Balance assessment

Elderly under test should keep the tandem stand posture for 30 sec.
Calculation method:
Unable to maintain the posture - 3 marks
Able to maintain the posture - 0 mark


5. Reaction assessment

The assessor should hold a rod (about 1 feet) above the hand of the elderly. The assessor will drop the rod suddenly and the elderly should catch the rod as quick as possible.
Calculation method:
Unable to catch the rod - 3 marks
Able to catch the distal segment of the rod - 2 marks
Able to catch the meddle segment of the rod - 1 mark
Able to catch the proximal segment of the rod - 0 mark

Total Score

Type of Fall Risk

6 marks or above

The risk of fall is high

5 marks or below

The risk of fall is low



References:

1. Chu LW, Chi I and Chiu AYY: Incidence and Predictors of Falls in the Chinese Elderly. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2005;34:60-72.