Fall RISK/ASSESS

Question 1

APTA SAFE ACT

Answer 1

The SAFE Act would allow physical and occupational therapists to complete falls risk assessments for seniors as part of their Medicare Annual Wellness benefit.

In doing so, this assessment will provide more accountability and transparency on how we can protect those who are at risk of falling.

Question 2

3 questions for fall risk screening:

Answer 2

• Have you fallen in the past 12 months?
• Do you feel unsteady when walking or standing?
• Do you worry about falling?

If yes to any = follow-up with assessment of gait/balance

Question 3

What is included in a fall risk assessment:

Answer 3

• Gait speed
• Timed up and go
• Berg balance scale

-report of 2 or more falls: +

• yes to one of 3 key questions AND gait/balance impairment: +

Question 4

Patient reported fall risk assessments:

Answer 4

-ABC

-FES

-survey of activities and fear of falling in the elderly

-Are you worried about falling?

Question 5

Home safety to reduce fall risk

Answer 5

-railings
-lighting
-how close is bedroom from bathroom (2 door away max)
-get rid of clutter
-rugs
-pets

Question 6

Multifactorial nature of fall risk assessment:

Answer 6

physical

psych

pharm

orthostatics

functional movement

environmental
–> home safety

mentation
–> cognition, depression

vision
–> acuity

Question 7

If a person is hurt and is unable to get up safely from floor should they try?

Answer 7

no, do not try, call help

Question 8

What are predictors of walking speed?

Answer 8

leg strength/power

trunk muscle endurance

timing and coordination of gait
–> spirals, serpentine, nine cone sequences

self-efficacy- CBT, physical activity/exercise, faster walking speed (if safe)