Assigning fall risk categories (high, moderate and low) based on the numerical score of a fall risk assessment alone may not always be clinically useful or appropriate. This tool can be used to assist with placing ‘at-risk’ patients/residents into high, moderate, and low fall risk categories and designing appropriate risk reduction strategies. In addition to assessing above risk factors the nurse should also consider these situational factors: New admission, floor-to-floor transfer, post fall, and change of condition and/or starting fall risk medication.

Download a printable copy of the
Fall Risk Level Tool Poster

This reference correlates to the online continuing education course Managing Falls In the Nursing Home: Who, Why, and What Next?.

Directions:
Based on your fall risk assessment results (identified risk factors), place patient/resident into either the high, moderate or low risk category.

RISK LEVEL	CRITERIA
High Risk	One or more risk factors present Impaired mobility Impaired gait/balance Impaired mental status
Moderate Risk	One or more risk factors present Absence of mobility and gait/balance impairment
Low Risk	Absence of mobility impairment and gait/balance impairment Absence of risk factors

Tideiksaar, R. Falls in Older People: Prevention and Management. 4th Edition.
Health Professions Press, Baltimore, MD 2010