A fall in an older person is often the first visible sign of something else — postural hypotension, a new medicine, infection, delirium, arrhythmia or progressing frailty. Asking why this person fell today, rather than only what they injured, is what turns an emergency visit into prevention.
- Check lying and standing blood pressure.
- Review medicines, especially sedatives, antihypertensives and anticholinergics.
- Screen for delirium and acute illness.
- Ask about previous falls and fear of falling.
Why it matters
The cause of the fall is what predicts the next one.
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