Appendix B4: Falls Assessment

The Falls Management Program Manual

Text Version of Form

Resident: ____________________________________________    Room: ____________________

Directions: Use the instructions on the Falls Assessment Cue Sheet to assess the resident in the five areas listed in the first column. Put a check beside each risk factor present for this resident. If the resident does not have a risk factor, put a check beside N/A. In the second column, check when the primary care provider report is faxed and orders are received and when the resident is discussed in the interdisciplinary team meeting. Check all appropriate evaluations and referrals. Once the assessment is complete, proceed to the Fall Interventions Plan and select specific individualized interventions for each risk category identified for this resident.

Risk FactorsInterdisciplinary Assessments

___ Primary Care Provider Report faxed
___ Primary Care Provider Orders received
___ Discussed in falls team meeting

Medications

___ Antipyschotics
___ Antidepressants
___ Benzodiazepines
___ Sedatives/hypnotics
___ Digoxin
___ N/A

___ Medication review by consultant pharmacist
___ Psychiatric evaluation

Orthostatic Hypotension

___ Reduction of ≥20 mm Hg in systolic pressure 1 minute after change in position from sitting to standing

Sitting BP: ___/___    Standing BP: ___/___     ___ N/A

___ Review cardiovascular medications

Vision

___ Stumbles and trips
___ Difficulty finding objects or detecting changes in floor surfaces
___ N/A

___ Optometrist evaluation
___ Ophthalmologist referral

Mobility

___ Unsafe during the Get Up and Go Test
___ Unable to transfer on and off toilet, bed, or chair safely
___ Unsafe wheelchair seating
___ N/A

___ OT consultation
___ PT consultation

Unsafe Behaviors

___ Tries to stand, transfer, or walk alone unsafely
___ Tries to climb over bed rails or get out of bed alone unsafely
___ Walks or paces alone in unsafe areas
___ N/A

___ Behavioral assessment
___ Evaluation of restraint use

Signature: _______________________________  Date Completed: ________________________

Image of Form

Falls assessment chart. For details, select [D] Text Description below

Current as of February 2010
Internet Citation: Appendix B4: Falls Assessment: The Falls Management Program Manual. February 2010. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/long-term-care/resources/injuries/fallspx/fallspxrisk.html