FallsCan is the first completely web based fall assessment tool for healthcare providers…

What is it?

FallsCan is a screening tool that helps identify the risks associated with falls for any age group within their home. Results of the screen can identify: the need for further assessment by a Health Professional, the need for specific adaptation or modification of the home environment , the need for exercise including balance and strength training.

It is an easy to use, web based tool that can be completed (including report and recommendations) in less than two hours.

Who Can Administer FallsCan?

FallsCan can be administered by many regulated health professionals who are in good standing with a Health Regulatory College. Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Nurses have the scope of practice to perform these assessments in the community. FallsCan assessors will be screened for eligibility, and then can register for the on-line training program.

Why do Older Persons need this screen?

Simply put, Older Persons need this screen to identify the risk factors in their own health situation, in their home, and other risks such as inadequate footwear and prescription glasses. Relative risk is ranked, and interventions such as home modifications, exercise, change in footwear or eyewear or even further assessment can be recommended.

According to the Centre for Disease Control published study, in 2012–2013, 55% of all unintentional injury deaths among adults aged 65 and over were due to falls.

From 2000 through 2013, the age-adjusted fall injury death rate among adults aged 65 and over nearly doubled from 29.6 per 100,000 to 56.7 per 100,000. Falls cause more accidental deaths than all other causes COMBINED. Over 3/4 of all falls occur in or near the home.

Closer to home, unintentional injuries caused by falls are the costliest category of injury in the Ontario Health Care System 1.5 billion in 2009. And lastly, many studies point to the fact that the risk of death 6 months after a hip fracture is about 40% for older persons – often due to pneumonia and other complications.

What is the research?

The American and the British Geriatric Societies have adopted practice Guidelines on the Prevention of Falls after their own literature review and have rated the strength of recommendations. The components most commonly found to be effective in terms on interventions , and were given an A or highest ranking (A ,B, C, D, I scale with A being a strong recommendation with good evidence) include:

“Home environment assessment and intervention carried out by a health care professional included in a multifactorial assessment and intervention for older persons who have fallen or who are at risk for falling” (A)

Of the interventions specified, Adaptation or Modification of the home, and exercise particularly strength and gait training were repeatedly rated as A level interventions.

What is the value?

Flat rated- time limited- easy to navigate- report produced while gathering data-customization as required- emailed to all identified parties with consent

If you are an older person or a caregiver/family member of an older person:

  • Evidence informed screen will help make decisions if home mods are needed and as to the right home modifications and the need for further assessment and intervention.
  • When you call an accessibility or renovation contractor, you will have a good idea of what is needed based on the outcome of the assessment, and know why.
  • It will reduce the risk of having home modifications that are wrong or inadvisable for the health and mobility condition of yourself or your loved one, and will save time and money.
  • Access to the Canadian Home Builders on-line portal will help you find reputable accessibility contractors in my community.

If you are a health professional, community care company or in the business of providing senior living:

  • An easily administered, cost effective, evidence informed screening tool can help ensure that patients, clients or residents will have the risks associated with falls addressed, and appropriate interventions suggested
  • Information gathered in the assessment can be, with consent, shared with a care team for all to understand the patient’s, client’s or resident’s fall risk issues
  • Provides evidence to support recommendations for interventions to reduce the risk of falls to your patients clients and residents

If you a contractor/renovator/architect /interior designer:

  • An easily administered, flat rated assessment to ensure that your accessibility design and installations will meet the physical cognitive and functional needs of your clients now, and in the future
  • You will save time and money by not recommending and installing and renovating spaces that the client or their caregiver cannot navigate, eliminating costly restocking and further modifications, and re-do’s
  • The burden of knowing the physical, cognitive and functional sequelae of your client’s condition is lifted when you make the Occupational Therapist a member of your team

Do you have customer service?

Of course! Our friendly and knowledgeable customer services reps are available to answer your questions, email