Citation

Evitt CP, Quigley PA. Rehabil. Nurs. 2004; 29(6): 207-210.

Affiliation

James A. Haley VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, VISN 8, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. celinda.evitt@med.va.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Association of Rehabilitation Nursing, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15597999

Abstract

Fear of falling, defined as a lack of self-confidence that one may avoid falls while doing everyday activities, may have serious consequences for elderly people. This article examines the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of fear of falling in the elderly population; methods for assessing those fears; and suggests evidence-based interventions. Incorporating successful strategies into programs to reduce falling can result in improved patient outcomes as well as decreased healthcare utilization and costs.