Poor vision (cataracts, macular degeneration,
glaucoma)

Lower extremity dysfunction (arthritis, muscle
weakness, impaired sensory function)

Unsteady gait/balance (stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.)

Uses cane/walker (ambulation aids are a marker for
underlying gait/balance disorders)

Elimination problems (excessive nighttime urination,
incontinence)

Altered cognition (dementia, depression, agitation)

Polypharmacy (5 or more prescription drugs)

Medications (especially drugs that affect the
central nervous system, such as sedatives and
tranquilizers)

Mobility impairment (bed, toilet, and chair/wheelchair
transfers)

Furnishings (inappropriate bed/chair heights )

Floors (loose or thick-pile carpeting, sliding rugs,
highly polished or wet ground surfaces)

Poor lighting (lack of night lights)

Footwear (ill-fitting shoes, slippery soles)

Assistive devices (improper and/or broken cane,
walker, or wheelchair)

Bed rails (rather than preventing falls, bed rails may
increase risk for injurious falls)

Clutter in rooms or hallways

Rushing to the bathroom (especially at night when not
fully awake or when lighting may be inadequate)

Failing to use a cane or walker for balance support

Exhibiting unsafe behavior (overestimation of one's abilities to self-transfer and ambulate, poor safety awareness, desire not to "bother" staff for assistance,
and resistance to care)

Post-meal times (need for toileting).

Nighttime hours (many falls occur at night; often
while traveling to the bathroom and/or transferring
from bed)

Change in condition (including adverse medication effect)

Unit/floor transfers