Any older adult who falls, with or without sustained injury, may develop a fear of falling. This may cause curtailment of activities, leading to reduced mobility and physical fitness, and increasing risk of falling and injury. Assessment of fear of falling, followed by appropriate interventions, is crucial to promote independence, mobility, function, wellness, and safety of older adults.

The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is a short, easy to administer tool that measures the level of concern about falling during 16 social and physical activities inside and outside the home whether the person does the activity or not.

Source: Trauma NB