Conclusions and recommendations As the population of Ireland ages, the incidence of older people falling is likely to increase. The incidence of older people falling has potentially serious consequences. Falls result in economic and human cost. Falling has been identified as a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older people.. Consequently, there is a need for healthcare practitioners to be skilled and knowledgeable when assessing and managing falls risk and actual falls in older people, particularly in residential healthcare settings. The assessment and management of falls in residential care is multidimensional, time consuming and intensive. Although it is impossible to prevent all falls, a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to the problem is advocated. Risk-assessment tools, person-centred care planning, applying evidence-based interventions, improved communication between residents and staff regarding management strategies and health promotion may ensure that appropriate interventions, specific to individual residents, are put in place to reduce the incidence of falling. The development of appropriate policies and procedures, specific to individual care facilities, in addition to continuous education and training of staff members, are highly recommended methods of improving the assessment and management of falls in residential care settings