Fall Risk Score Calculator
Clinical fall-risk checklists are written for nurses with a clipboard. This turns commonly cited fall-risk factors into 10 plain-language questions a family member can fill out at home, with a score and next-step suggestions. Nothing uploaded.
Results
Risk Level
Low riskNo specific action needed beyond general caution.
Informational only, not medical advice. This is an original plain-language checklist based on commonly cited geriatric fall-risk factors - it does not replicate any single named or proprietary clinical instrument. Talk to a doctor about a formal falls assessment if you have concerns.
Understanding fall risk in older adults
How individual risk factors combine to increase fall probability
Falls in older adults are rarely caused by a single factor - they result from a combination of physical, cognitive, and environmental factors. A person over 65 with a recent fall, balance problems, and poor lighting at home has multiple overlapping risks, each reducing safety margins. This calculator weights commonly cited risk factors: prior falls (2 points, highest weight because they predict future falls), balance or gait problems (2 points), plus 1 point each for age 65+, mobility aids, 4+ medications, sedative use, vision problems, living alone, home hazards, and urinary urgency. Example: someone with a prior fall (2 pts), balance problems (2 pts), and poor home lighting (1 pt) scores 5/12 (moderate risk). Adding a sedative medication (1 pt) pushes to 6/12 (high risk). The score is cumulative - small fixes can reduce risk significantly." }
Why some risk factors are weighted more heavily
Prior falls are the strongest predictor of future falls - someone who has fallen before is 2-3 times more likely to fall again. Balance and gait problems directly impact stability. Age 65+ is weighted lower because many older adults never fall; the other factors matter more. Medications are important because they are often modifiable - a doctor can review and adjust the regimen. Home hazards are also modifiable - removing rugs and adding lighting costs little but reduces risk significantly. The calculator's scoring helps identify which factors to address first: a high-risk score driven by medication side effects should focus on medication review, while a high score driven by home hazards should focus on environmental changes." }
FAQ
Is this a real clinical fall-risk scale?
No. This is a plain-language original checklist based on commonly cited geriatric fall-risk factors (age, prior falls, mobility, medications, vision, balance, home environment). It is not a replication of any named clinical instrument like the TUG (Timed Up and Go), Morse Fall Scale, or FRAT. It is a starting point for conversation with a healthcare provider, not a substitute for a formal clinical assessment.
What should I do if someone scores in the high-risk band?
Talk to a doctor or physical therapist about a formal falls assessment, balance testing, and home safety evaluation. Actions typically include: (1) remove tripping hazards (rugs, clutter, poor lighting), (2) install grab bars and rails, (3) review medications (sedatives and blood pressure drugs are common culprits), (4) vision check, (5) physical therapy to improve balance and strength, (6) consider a medical alert system. These interventions reduce fall risk significantly - do not wait.
Why do medications increase fall risk?
Medications, especially sedatives, blood pressure drugs, and pain relievers, cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blood pressure drops when standing (orthostatic hypotension). These side effects impair balance and reaction time. Taking 4+ medications raises the risk of interactions and cumulative side effects. A doctor can review medications and sometimes simplify the regimen or adjust timing (e.g. taking blood pressure meds at night instead of morning) to reduce fall risk.