[Falls of elderly people--a systematic evaluation is necessary].
Falls of the elderly represent a real challenge for both the physician who is called in order to evaluate the causes and consequences of a trauma and the patient who is menaced in his physical and mental integrity. But falls question also the family who feels insecure and guilty as well as society, which sees itself confronted with the rising cost induced by the request of services and institutions. Only a systematic approach, considering factors of surroundings, will allow us an exhaustive evaluation of each individual patient and will, on the other hand, enable us to foresee, beyond the introduction of therapy, preventive measures. In the present article a proposal is made for a predominantly clinical evaluation in the perspective of general health promotion. In this way a fall can also become an occasion for the patient to rethink in a useful way the necessary reorganization of his own life, which in the course of years is dominated more and more by the aspiration for security.
Tanzi
F
F
Servizio di Geriatria, Ospedale civico, Lugano.
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors
Stürze alter Menschen--eine systematische Beurteilung ist notwendig.