Prevention of falls in the elderly population.
In response to the challenge posed by falls in the elderly, the Jewish Institute for Geriatric Care established a Falls Clinic. The coordinated expertise of a geriatrician, neurologist, cardiologist, and physiatrist were combined with resources in audiology, ophthalmology, and podiatry. Thirty-six patients enrolled in the study had sustained a total of 36 falls, which resulted in 13 fractures and seven soft-tissue injuries. Falls were a daily occurrence for three patients, weekly for five patients, monthly for ten, semiannually for 14, and yearly for four patients. After a one-year follow-up, 77% of the patients experienced no further falls. We suggest that falls are a multidisciplinary issue and recommend a team approach for successful management.
Wolf-Klein
G P
GP
Jewish Institute for Geriatric Care, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.
Silverstone
F A
FA
Basavaraju
N
N
Foley
C J
CJ
Pascaru
A
A
Ma
P H
PH
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors