Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Risk factors

People fall for many reasons. These are called risk factors. They include health conditions you may have and choices you make, such as what shoes you wear.

It’s important to know your risk factors so you can take action to reduce your chance of falling.

Answer the questions below to learn your risk factors:

Have you had a slip, trip, or fall in the past year?

Do you have diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease?

Do you often try to do many things at once?

Do you get tired easily?

Do you have trouble walking or feel unsteady?

Do you do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day?

Do you ever feel dizzy or lightheaded?

Do you take sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or anti-depressants?

Has it been more than 1 year since your doctor or pharmacist reviewed your medicines?

Is it hard for you to get up from a chair or toilet?

Has it been more than 1 year since your last eye exam?

Do you rush to the toilet or wake up to use the toilet at night?

Is it hard to eat a well-balanced diet?

Do you have any foot trouble?

Are your shoes old, tight, or loose-fitting?

Are you afraid of falling?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you have risk factors for a higher chance of falling.

Choose a topic or continue to the next page to learn more about how to manage your risk factors and lower your risk of falling.

Current as of: May 30, 2024

Author: Fall Risk Management Program

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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