GERIATRIC SYNDROMES: FALLS AND INSTABILITY.

INSTABILITY AND FALLS IN THE ELDERLY

We know that falls are a frequent occurrence among the elderly (13-25% of those older than 65 years, 31-35% older than 85 years), more in the institutionalized (up to 50%).

We also know that when there is a fall in the elderly, consequences may appear physical, psychological and social.

In a prospective study of 7900 patients it was found that there are risk factors that were associated with an increased risk of falls. If in patients coincides the number of risk factors, incidence increased.

Knowing that the main triggers of fall risk are:

• Over 65
• Alteration of the stability and march
• Previous falls
• Number of drugs consumed: 4 or more
• Frail elderly
• Living outside the family
• Muscle weakness
• Deficit of march and balance
• Cognitive impairment
• Polymedication
• Decreased vision
• Acute and chronic pathologies
• History of falls

Knowing all this data when we are in hospital nursing we must use our knowledge about this issue, since the majority of the patients we will attend will be elderly.

Knowing all these data we are going ahead than other professionals.

We will check if the patient has one or more of the factors listed above. So we will know the right way to serve him by providing the necessary and reducing the risk of patient falls.

We will also provide information of interest to the family for the elderly to be more secure at home and there is also less risk of falls.

http://www.infodoctor.org/bandolera/b85s-3.

htmlhttp://escuela.med.puc.cl/publ/manualgeriatria/PDF/InmovilidadCaidas.pdf