Falls and the use of health services in community-living elderly people.
Falls are common and often preventable in older people. This short report describes substantial unmet need in relation to falls. Although falling, nearly falling, fear of falling, and activity restriction are common, many people do not seek assistance from healthcare professionals. Only 2% of those who had attended their general practioner (GP), a casualty department, or had been admitted to hospital after a fall were taking drugs to protect against osteoporosis. People who have fallen or are at a risk of falling need to be identified, and local policies and information regarding treatment for osteoporosis are needed.
Stoddart
Helen
H
Division of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol. Helen.Stoddart@bristol.ac.uk
Sharp
Debbie
D
Harvey
Ian
I
Whitley
Elise
E
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment