Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FROP-Com)
Time required: 10–15 minutes
Equipment needed: None
Falls risk criteria: A score of over 18 indicates a high risk of falls
The Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FROP-Com and FROP-Com Screen) are tools used in the community for assessment or screening of falls risk. The tool has been developed by the National Ageing Research Institute.
The FROP-Com is an assessment tool and involves rating 13 falls risk factors, usually on a scale of 0-3.
- History of falls
- Medications
- Medical conditions
- Sensory loss
- Feet and footwear
- Cognitive status
- Continence
- Nutritional status
- Environment
- Functional behaviour
- Function
- Balance
- Gait/Physical activity
Once completed, the FROM-Com provides an overall score of falls risk within a range of 0–60), with higher scores indicating a higher falls risk. FROP-Com guidelines have also been developed, providing definitions and detail to support the assessment, and suggest management options if a specific risk factor is identified.
Please note: The WA Falls Specialist Service Referral Form requires a FROP-Com to be completed.
FROP-Com Screen
Time required: 1–2 minutes
Equipment required: None
Falls risk criteria: A score of over 3 indicates an increased risk of falls
The FROP-Com Screen uses three items that best predict falls risk within a 12-month period. It holds high retest and inter-rater reliability, and a moderate ability to predict falls in older people presenting to an emergency department after a fall. The FROP-Com Screen is a shortened and more time-efficient version of the FROP-Com, consisting of three questions to assess the following common risk factors for falls:
- History of falls
- Function (Activities of Daily Living)
- Balance
FROP-Com Screen guidelines have also been developed, providing definitions and detail to support the assessment, and suggest management options if a specific risk factor is identified.