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Fall Risk Assessment for Seniors: The 3 Questions and Self-Check

Not yet expert-reviewed · Last updated October 30, 2026

Fall Risk Assessment: 3 Questions That Tell You Where You Stand

Emergency first. If someone falls and is hurt, can't get up, hit their head, or is not responding, call 911. See What to do after a fall.

Key takeaways

CDC's STEADI program starts with three questions. A "yes" to any one means a higher fall risk.[1][2]
CDC's Stay Independent self-check has 12 yes/no items. A score of 4 or more may mean you're at risk.[1]
A screen is not a diagnosis. It tells you to ask your health care provider for a full check.[2]
For adults 65+ at higher risk, the USPSTF recommends exercise to prevent falls.[3]
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Why check your fall risk?

More than 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall each year. But fewer than half tell their doctor.[4] One fall doubles the chance of another.[4] Many risk factors can be changed, so knowing yours is worth it.

The three key questions

CDC's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) tool for health care providers screens with three questions:[1][2]

Have you fallen in the past year?
Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
Do you worry about falling?

If you answer yes to any of them, CDC considers you at increased risk. Your provider should do a fuller check.[2]

The Stay Independent self-check

CDC also offers a 12-question brochure called Stay Independent that you can fill out at home.[1]

How it's scored:[1]

2 points for "I have fallen in the past year."
2 points for "I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker."
1 point for each "yes" to the other 10 items. They ask about things like steadiness, needing to hold on, rushing to the toilet, losing feeling in your feet, and medicines that make you dizzy or tired.
Total 4 or more: you may be at risk for falling. Bring the form to your provider.[1]

Our

walks you through a similar self-check. It doesn't replace a visit.

What your provider checks next

If you screen at higher risk, STEADI suggests looking for specific causes:[2]

A detailed history of your falls
A medicine review. Some medicines cause dizziness or drowsiness. See Medication safety for seniors.
Gait, strength, and balance tests, such as timed walking or chair-stand tests
Use of a cane or walker
Vision check
Blood pressure lying down and standing (a drop on standing can cause dizziness)
Feet and footwear
Vitamin D intake. See Protein and vitamin D for seniors.
Home hazards
Memory and thinking

What helps lower your risk

Exercise. The USPSTF gives exercise a "B" grade for adults 65+ at higher risk of falls. Programs focused on gait, balance, function, and strength.[3] Start with Balance exercises for seniors or Tai chi for seniors.
A tailored plan. For some people, the USPSTF says a doctor may offer a plan that addresses several risk factors at once ("C" grade, a choice to make with your provider).[3]
A safer home. Use our Home safety checklist for seniors and see Grab bars and bathroom safety.

FAQ

How do I know if I'm at risk of falling? Ask yourself CDC's three questions. A "yes" to any of them means you should talk with your provider.[2]

What score means high fall risk on Stay Independent? A total of 4 points or more.[1]

Does Medicare cover a fall risk check? Ask your doctor to include falls in your next checkup.

Is a fall risk quiz the same as a medical exam? No. It's a starting point. A provider can test your balance and look for causes.[2]

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STEADI Coordinated Care Plan to Prevent Older Adult Falls (includes the Stay Independent brochure and Three Key Questions). 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/Steadi-Coordinated-Care-Plan.pdf. Accessed October 30, 2026. (INDIRECT: CDC blocked our fetcher; content confirmed via search index text and source 2)
Sarmiento K, Lee R. STEADI: CDC's approach to make older adult fall prevention part of every primary care practice. J Safety Res. 2017;63:105-109. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2017.08.003. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6239204/. Accessed October 30, 2026.
US Preventive Services Task Force. Falls Prevention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Interventions. June 4, 2024. JAMA. 2024;332(1):51-57. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/falls-prevention-community-dwelling-older-adults-interventions. Accessed October 30, 2026.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts About Older Adult Falls. CDC. 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. Accessed October 30, 2026.

Disclaimer

This article is for general education only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Talk to your doctor, a licensed attorney, or a SHIP counselor (Medicare) about your situation. In an emergency, call 911.

Attribution

Portions of this page are adapted from "HowToLiveBetter" (高性价比人生指南) by eternity4719, https://github.com/eternity4719/HowToLiveBetter, licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Changes: topic idea (knowing your fall risk) adapted from Chapter 01; adapted and rewritten for the U.S. context (not a direct translation), and re-sourced to U.S. research and official guidance.

Last updated October 30, 2026