Fall Risk Assessment

Fall Risk Assessment

The Sentinare app can help you estimate a loved one’s risk of falling. It does this by innovatively combining two clinically-proven methods: the Morse Fall Scale and the Timed-Up & Go Test (TUG).

It’s easy to assess the fall risk of a loved and it only takes a few minutes. First, open the Sentinare app, navigate to the person page, then tap Assess Fall Risk. Second, follow the on-screen prompts. Once complete, your loved one will be assigned one of three fall risk levels.

Fall Prevention Strategies by Risk Level:
Low Risk
  • Continue to provide good basic care. Assess fall risk every 4-6 months or when conditions change.
Moderate Risk
  • Ensure Sentinare sensors have adequate coverage of the main floor areas. Family members should have the Sentinare app, ready to receive notifications.
  • Do gentle exercises that involve slow and graceful movements to improve strength, balance and coordination.
  • Avoid high heels, loose slippers, and shoes with slippery soles. Wear snug, flat shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Improve lighting and visibility of the living space. Install motion-activated lights for night times.
  • Remove obstacles, loose objects, loose rugs, and dangling wires from paths.
  • Repair loose tiles, floorboards, and carpeting.
  • Clean spilled liquids immediately.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathroom: outside and inside the bathtub or shower.
High Risk
  • Implement the above fall prevention strategies for Moderate Risk patients.
  • Consult a health care professional to discuss long-term strategies, such as recruiting a home caregiver.
  • Place common necessities within easy reach, such as clothes, dishes and food.
  • Make use of assistive devices:
    • Handrails for both sides of stairways
    • Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps
    • A raised toilet seat or one with armrests
    • Grab bars for the shower or tub
    • A sturdy plastic seat for the shower or tub, and a hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down