| Popis: |
Falls are prevalent in older people and frequently have serious consequences including injury, hospitalization, reduced mobility and independence, and increased health-care costs. A broad range of risk factors predispose older adults to falling, including underlying medical conditions, balance and gait instability, polypharmacy, and environmental hazards. A multifactorial fall risk assessment including fall history, physical exam, gait and balance evaluation, and environmental assessment is recommended for all older adults who present for medical evaluation with a fall or with balance and gait problems. Evidence-based fall risk screening tools are available for community, hospital, and long-term care facilities to aid in fall risk evaluations. Single intervention strategies to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults include exercise (including balance and gait training), medication management, vitamin D supplementation, expedited cataract surgery, cardiovascular interventions, and environmental and safety precautions. Multifactorial interventions and programs including several strategies tailored to individual fall risk assessments are most effective in preventing falls in high-risk patients living in the community and long-term care settings. |
