Check Your Risk for Falling
CHOICE QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Circle “Yes” or “No” for each statement below
Why it matters
Yes (2) Yes (2)
No (0) No (0)
I have fallen in the past year
People who have fallen once are likely to fall again. People who have been advised to use a cane or walker may already be more likely to fall. Unsteadiness or needing support while walking are signs of poor balance.
I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely
Yes (1)
No (0)
Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking
Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1)
No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0)
I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home
This is also a sign of poor balance.
I am worried about falling
People who are worried about falling are more likely to fall. This is a sign of weak leg muscles, a major reason for falling. This is also a sign of weak leg muscles. Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night, increases your chance of falling. Numbness in your feet can cause stumbles and lead to falls. Side effects from medicine can sometimes increase your chance of falling. These medicines can sometimes increase your chance of falling. Symptoms of depression, such as not feeling well or feeling slowed down, are linked to falls.
I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb
I often have to rush to the toilet
I have lost some feeling in my feet
I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel light-headed or more tired than usual I take medicine to help me sleep or improve my mood
I often feel sad or depressed
Total:______ Add up the number of points for each “yes” answer.
If you scored 4 points or more, you may be at risk for falling.
This checklist was developed by the Greater Los Angeles VA Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center and affiliates and is a validated fall risk self-assessment tool (Rubenstein et al. J Safety Res; 2011: 42(6)493-499).
LOCAL HEALTH ACT IVI TY
EXERCISE ESSENT IALS
SQUAT Stand with good posture, making sure your feet are shoulder width apart. Perform a squat by bending at the hip and knees. Stop at the point where you cannot keep your lower back flat. Rise up by straightening at the hip and knees. Repeat 7-10 times. THIS EXERCISE HELPS TO PROMOTE GLUTE AND QUAD STRENGTH FOR BETTER GAIT MECHANICS AND LESS PAIN.
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