Appendix A : Risk Factors for Falls and Fall-related Injuries

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Biological / Medical

• Advanced age
• Female gender
• Chronic illness/disability:
  
  • Stroke
    
  • Parkinson's disease
    
  • Heart disease
    
  • Incontinence/frequency
    
  • Depression
    
• Acute illness
• Cognitive impairment
• Gait disorders
• Poor balance
• Postural sway
• Muscle weakness
• Poor vision
• Impaired touch and/or proprioception

Environmental

• Poor building design and/or maintenance
• Inadequate building codes
• Poor stair design
• Lack of:
  
  • Handrails
    
  • Curb ramps
    
  • Rest areas
    
  • Grab bars
• Poor lighting or sharp contrasts
• Slippery or uneven surfaces
• Obstacles and tripping hazards
• Assistive devices

Behavioural

• Multiple medications
• Use of:
  
  • Tranquillizers
  • Antidepressants
  • Antihypertensives
• Excessive alcohol
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Lack of exercise
• Previous fall/recurrent falls
• Fear of falling
• Inappropriate footwear
• Lack, inappropriate use or improper use of mobility aids
• Poor nutrition or hydration

Social / Economic

• Low income
• Lack of education
• Illiteracy/language barriers
• Poor living conditions
• Unsafe housing
• Poor social environment
• Living alone
• Lack of support networks and social interaction

Adapted by V. Scott (2005) from: Federal/Provincial/Territorial inventory of Canadian programs for the prevention of falls among seniors living in the community, 2001.

 

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