Prevention of falls among the elderly

Article Abstract:

The annual incidence of falls among elderly persons living in the community increases from 25 percent at 70 years of age to 35 percent over 75. Falls are even more common in nursing homes. Injury is the sixth leading cause of death in people over age 65, and most of these fatal injuries are related to falls. Falls are caused by a number of factors, including neurologic conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease), poor vision, diseases or disability of the bones, joints, or muscles, and abnormalities of gait. Most falls appear to result from the cumulative effects of aging and disease in conjunction with factors related to type of activity, time of day, and the physical environment. Preventive strategies should take all these factors into consideration. With proper planning, it has been shown that most falls can be prevented; planning entails a thorough physical and psychological assessment of the elderly person, as well as identification of the risks which can be eliminated to reduce the likelihood of falling. This would mean assessment of floors, lighting, stairs, bathroom fixtures, etc. Intervention to minimize the risk of falling is an important aspect of health care, but it should be undertaken without compromising an elderly person's functional independence.

Prevention, column

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Falls, injuries due to falls, and the risk of admission to a nursing home

Article Abstract:

Falls in the elderly may substantially increase their risk of being admitted to a nursing home. Researchers analyzed the rate of nursing home admissions over a three-year period in 1,103 people over 71 years old who resided in New Haven, CT. During that time, 133 people were admitted to a nursing home and 47 were still there at the end of the study. Compared to those who never fell, those who had one non-injury fall were three times more likely to be admitted, those with two or more non-injury falls five times more likely to be admitted and those with one fall causing serious injury were 10 times more likely to be admitted. Falls accounted for 26% of all admissions.

Nursing homes, Hospital admission and discharge

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Potential pitfalls of disease-specific guidelines for patients with multiple conditions

Article Abstract:

A review of the evidence underlying disease-specific guidelines helps to explain the origin of the tension between the standardized treatment of diseases and the individualized care of patients with multiple conditions. The successful translation of disease guidelines into prescriptions that meet the needs of individuals depends on the use of information technology to collect, analyze and present complex data.

United Kingdom, Science & research, Research, Drugs, Patients, Prescriptions (Drugs), Patient care, Evidence-based medicine

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