[Can falls in nursing homes be avoided?].
Fall-related injuries in nursing homes for the aged are frequent and cost-intensive. Their iatrogenic causes are well known and avoided in modern geriatric institutions. We examined all falls in an institution during the period of 19 months. Patients who carry out daily tasks on a semi-independent level were most at risk. The main risk-factor was dementia. Medication did not prove a major risk-factor. At 37% p. a. the risk of falling was lower than in previous studies. This was due to a restriction on benzodiazepines with short term effects, minimising of neuroleptics, diuretics and other types of antihypertensives as well as avoidance of polypharmacy. Unavoidable risks need to be identified and should result in use of a hip protector.
Kantonales Pflegezentrum Schaffhausen.
J
J
Kuchynka
L
L
Käser
A
A
Wettstein
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications; D004358:Drug Therapy; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors