Citation

Sternberg SA, Rochon PA, Gurwitz JH. Eur. Geriatr. Med. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1007/s41999-021-00448-w

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Falls are common in older adults and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately one in four older adults falls each year with 20-30% of fallers sustaining moderate-severe injuries. In addition, falls and fall-related injuries lead to excessive use of health services such as hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Traditional falls prevention programs are based on identifying and modifying falls risk factors. These programs usually include: an exercise component focusing on strength and balance; a medical evaluation focusing on high-risk medical conditions, vision, orthostatic hypotension, osteoporosis, and cognition; an assessment of environmental hazards; and a comprehensive medication review [2]. While general medication reviews have not been shown to decrease falls in the long-term care setting [3], decreasing the use of psychotropics (benzodiazepines, any other hypnotic, any antidepressant or antipsychotic) was effective in reducing falls in community dwelling older adults...

Language: en