Falls in older adults

Falls in older adults are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are an important class of preventable injuries. The cause of falls in older adults is often multifactorial, and may require a multidisciplinary approach to prevention and treatment.

Causes

The causes of falls are multifactorial and include environmental hazards, gait and balance disorders, and medication side effects. Environmental hazards in the home are the cause of many falls. These hazards include poor lighting, loose rugs, and lack of handrails in the bathroom. Gait and balance disorders are common in older adults and are a major cause of falls. Medication side effects, particularly from drugs that affect the central nervous system, can also cause falls.

Prevention

Prevention of falls in older adults is a major focus of patient safety initiatives. Interventions aimed at reducing falls include exercise programs, home safety modifications, and medication review and adjustment. Exercise programs that improve strength and balance can reduce the risk of falls. Home safety modifications can reduce environmental hazards. Medication review and adjustment can reduce the risk of falls by minimizing the use of medications that increase the risk of falling.

Treatment

Treatment of falls involves addressing the underlying cause of the fall. This may involve physical therapy for gait and balance disorders, modification of the home environment to reduce hazards, and adjustment of medications to reduce side effects.

See also

• Fall prevention
• Geriatrics
• Physical therapy

References

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