Background. The incidence of falls among the elderly has not yet been the subject of a major, in-depth study. This significant social issue is still greatly underrated by clinicians and physiotherapists. As accidental falls are widely recognized to carry potentially grave consequences for frail elderly victims, the present study aimed to assess in some detail the attendant circumstances and identify the key risk factors, with a view to contributing to the establishment of a nationwide plan for multi-tiered, preventive action. Materials and methods. The study group was comprised of 178 female patients, 66-91 years of age, recruited from the Geriatric Department of the Municipal Medical and Nursing Facility in Cracow, treated for hypertension in the period 1999-2001. Each was reported to have sustained at least one fall within 3 months prior to hospitalization. We examined the patients’ nursing and medical records, as well as individual risk assessment profiles, in search of patterns. Comprehensive information was obtained on the attendant circumstances, i. e. specific location, timing, and prevailing circumstances. Results. The majority of accidental falls (68%) occurred within the patient’s own room, toilet, or hallway. The patients proved to be most at risk when attempting to change posture. As many as 46% of the falls occurred between 6 and 10 AM, which may have been due to environmental factors combined with individually impaired mobility.Conclusions. Paradoxically, the highest risk of fall was correlated with performing ostensibly simple tasks of daily living, particularly during night and early morning hours.