Citation

Khow KSF, Visvanathan R. Clin. Geriatr. Med. 2017; 33(3): 357-368.

Affiliation

Aged and Extended Care Services, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Level 8B, Woodville Road, Woodville South, South Australia 5011, Australia. Electronic address: renuka.visvanathan@adelaide.edu.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.cger.2017.03.002

PMID

28689568

Abstract

The number of people living beyond 65 years of age is increasing rapidly, and they are at increased risk of falls. Falls-related injuries and hospitalizations are steadily increasing. Falls can lead to fear of falling, loss of independence, institutionalization, and death, inevitably posing a significant burden to the health care system. Therefore, screening of people at risk of falls and comprehensive assessment of older people at high risk of falls are critical steps toward prevention. This review evaluates the current knowledge relating to falls, with particular focus on rapid screening, assessment, and strategies to prevent falls in the community.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Accidental falls; Falls prevention; Older people; Risk factors; Screening