title: Risk factors for falls.
abstract: Falls can be prevented by addressing identified risk factors. Tools vary according to location and circumstances surrounding the assessment. Older people living in the community should be screened for fall risk every year and assessed for risk factors after a fall. Problems often identified include impaired vision due to cataracts, reduced proximal muscle strength and reaction time because of vitamin D deficiency. Emergency department staff can identify people at risk of further falls by asking if they have had any falls over the past 12 months, whether they have fallen indoors and whether they have been able to get up after a fall. Fall risk in inpatients is increased by changes in physical and cognitive abilities. Screening in residential care should consider ability to stand unaided, cognitive impairment, incontinence and drug use.