There are a range factors that contribute towards your risk of having a trip, stumble or fall. These can include a range of personal and environmental factors. These are listed below:
Personal Factors
- Trip, stumble or fall in last 6 months
- Recent illness or admission to hospital
- Weak muscle
- Stiff joint(s)
- Difficulties with walking or getting out of a chair
- Lose balance easily
- Unsuitable walking stick/ frame
- Tiredness
- Poor eyesight or have glasses, and it has been two (2) years since eyes were tested
- Dizziness or funny turns
- Poor general health
- Harder to do everyday tasks
- Taking 4 or more prescription medications
- Some combinations of prescription and over-the counter medications
- Taking sleeping tablets or anti-depressants
- Drug and alcohol use affecting balance, vision and alertness
- Rapid loss of weight, poor nutrition, thinness
- Not eating a balanced diet from each of the five food groups
- Arthritis/ osteoporosis
- Inactive – not regularly active or exercising
- Confusion
Environmental Factors
- Loose, slippery or poorly fitting footwear
- Long, dangling clothing or bedding
- Uneven or loose rugs
- Uneven or slippery floors
- Uneven or slippery steps inside or outside the home
- Steps, stairs that have no rails
- Insufficient or dim lighting
- Low chairs, bed or toilet
- Cords, clutter in walkways in the home
- Pets and other moving hazards in the home and garden
- Obstacles in the garden such as hoses, bins, gardening tools
If you have any of these risks factors the good news is that you can take action to reduce the chance of you falling. For more detailed information on how to reduce your risk of a trip, stumble or fall refer to the ‘Reducing my risk of a falls’ section, or view a case study on a person who has had a fall.
