Table 2.

Assessment of falls risk factors and intervention to reduce identified risk factors.

Assessment	Intervention
Evaluate lower limb muscle strength, gait and balance	Poor gait, strength and balance -Refer for physical therapy -Engagement in exercise programmes that involve balance, functional exercise and resistance training
Identify medications that increase fall risk	Medication(s) likely to increase fall risk -Optimise medications by stopping, switching or reducing dosage (especially for psychoactive medications)
Ask about potential home hazards	Home hazards likely to increase fall risk -Refer to occupational therapist to evaluate home safety assessment and/or modification
Measure positional blood pressure	Orthostatic hypotension observed -Review medication -Encourage adequate hydration -Consider use of compression stockings, abdominal binders or physical manoeuvres
Check visual acuity	Visual impairment observed -Refer ophthalmologist/optometrist -Avoid wearing multifocal glasses when walking particularly stairs
Assess feet and footwear	Feet or footwear issues identified -Appropriate treatment for foot problems identified -Advise wearing well fitted shoes indoors and outdoors
Assess vitamin D intake	Vitamin D deficiency observed or likely -Recommend daily vitamin D supplement for individuals with proven deficiency
Previous history of falls OR fear of falling	Provide falls education and information to all patients -Regular follow up to ensure adherence to interventions