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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.

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