Falls.

Abstract

Falls occur commonly enough in community-dwelling elderly, and have sufficient morbidity and mortality, to argue for increased recognition of the problem by physicians. Whereas in the past these falls may have been considered an inevitable part of aging, it is now clear that distinct risk factors can be identified. Physicians can evaluate patients by using relatively simple assessment tools, including the history, physical examination and, most importantly, direct observation of position changes and gait maneuvers used in everyday activities of daily living. Interventions to prevent falls can be based on the individual assessment of risk factors. The implications of effective preventive practices for Rhode Island are substantial given the relatively high percentage of older persons in the state and the limited long term care facilities required to care for the older person whose decline in function follows a fall.