Term	Definition	Example
Fall	An unintentional event that results in a person coming to rest on the ground, or a lower level.	"Mr. Fenwick had a fall in his kitchen three weeks ago."
Loss of balance	The sensation or event of losing postural stability, usually how a patient first describes what happened before any clinical term is applied.	"I had a sudden loss of balance and went straight down."
Dizziness / lightheadedness	Patient-facing words for a sensation of unsteadiness or faintness, distinct from true vertigo (a spinning sensation).	"Did you feel any dizziness before you fell?"
Postural hypotension	A drop in blood pressure on standing, often screened for with a lying-and-standing reading.	"We think this might be postural hypotension, based on your readings."
Mobility aid	Equipment such as a walking stick or a frame that supports safe walking.	"A mobility aid might help you feel steadier on your feet."
Home environment review	A structured look at hazards in a patient's home: rugs, lighting, stairs, clutter.	"We'd like to arrange a home environment review before you go home."
Polypharmacy	Taking multiple medications, a recognised contributor to falls risk in older adults.	"Polypharmacy is something we always check for after a fall."
Bone density	A measure of bone strength relevant to fracture risk after a fall.	"We'll check your bone density with a simple scan."
Activities of daily living (ADLs)	Everyday self-care tasks — washing, dressing, toileting, cooking — that a falls assessment reviews.	"How are you managing with your activities of daily living at home?"
Falls clinic	A specialist, multidisciplinary service for more detailed balance and strength work after an assessment.	"I'd like to refer you to our falls clinic for a fuller assessment."

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