Falling can be an unforgivably prevalent problem among seniors that can result in serious injuries, hospitalization and reduced quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are responsible for 8.4 million emergency room visits each year as well as 32,000 deaths in the US alone. While natural causes of falling among the elderly may make prevention or treatment of falls impossible, others can be managed effectively through treatment or prevention efforts.
As part of its efforts to prevent falls and injuries among older adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has implemented the Stopping Elderly Accidents Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) program which trains healthcare providers on how to screen and assess older adults for risk factors such as previous falls and mobility problems as well as using validated tools like the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to measure gait and balance.
An appropriate history and physical examination should include searching for the cause of recent falls. This involves discussing circumstances, any associated symptoms and an evaluation for pre-syncopal symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness (see Figure below). Finding out what led to an incident helps narrow further investigation while potentially decreasing future falls.
Assessing Fall Risk in Elderly The most efficient method for evaluating fall risk among elderly is an interview, clinical exam and objective measurement of their function. Clinicians should conduct a full history review on each person as well as inquire into medications taken and assess for environmental hazards that could pose risks.
Undergoing a thorough fall risk evaluation allows physicians to tailor their intervention strategy. This may involve optimizing treatment of any underlying conditions that contribute to falls, altering or discontinuing causative medications and eliminating environmental hazards that increase risks. Furthermore, doctors should encourage individuals to join an appropriate exercise program such as Otago Exercise Programme or Tai chi classes which have been proven to reduce falls and fractures among the elderly population.
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Even with all of their resources at their disposal, many healthcare professionals fail to routinely assess patients for falls or perform in-depth medical exams to identify possible causes. This issue stems from limited nursing and health service resources as well as lack of awareness regarding the benefits of falls assessment. https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/dementia-gps/ An effective, user-friendly tool like FRAT can significantly increase efficiency in falls risk assessment in older adults and increase effectiveness of subsequent interventions. However, it is essential to remember that a comprehensive falls risk evaluation goes far beyond simply measuring FRAT score; it should include an in-depth clinical examination aimed at addressing home hazards, medications, functional limitations, cognitive and visual impairment, orthostatic hypotension as well as gait and balance abnormalities. https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/fall-detection-alarms/
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