USEFUL LINKS
General Websites
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An online publication of the "Falls and the Elderly" article that appeared in the American Family Physician Vol. 61/No. 7 April 1, 2000. Describes, in detail, relevant statistics behind elderly falls, epidemiology of falls, evaluation of the elderly patient who falls, and prevention. Also, 8 tables are included: CATASTROPHE (a mnemonic, not included), Risk Factors for Falls, Common Causes for Falls, Drugs that Increase the Risk, I HATE FALLING (a mnemonic for key physical findings in elderly who fall), a Timed 'Up and Go' Test, Interventions to Reduce the Risk of Falling, and Critical Steps in Reducing Falls. 3 Figures are also included: The Changing Approach to Falls (graph), Home Safety Checklist, and an algorithm for an Evaluation of Falls.
April 1, 2000
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The Clinical Practice Guidelines: Guidelines Abstracted from the Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons is a brief description of the American Geriatrics Society's position and recommendations on elderly falls. "The aim of this guideline is to assist health care professionals in their assessment of fall risk and in management of older patients who are at increased risk of falling or who have fallen." 2001
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The article entitled "Reducing Falls and Resulting Hip Fractures Among Older Women" was composed to address the fact that "[f]all-related injuries are the leading cause of injury deaths and disabilities among older adults." The essay is arranged by the topics: scope of the problem, etiologic or risk factors, recommendations for prevention, program and research needs, and conclusion.
2000
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"ProFaNE is a thematic network with 25 partners focusing on the issue of prevention of falls and improvement of postural stability amongst elderly people. It comprises 4 work packages:
1. Taxonomy and Classification
2. Clinical Assessment and Management
3. Assessment of Balance Function
4. Psychological Aspects of Falling.
The aim is to bring together workers from around Europe (and further afield) to focus on a series of tasks required to develop multi-factorial prevention programmes aimed at reducing the incidence of falls and fractures amongst elderly people."
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The article The Effect of Reducing Falls on Long-Term Care Expenses (Literature Review) was composed to: "select and operationalize an effective falls prevention intervention; develop a study design that will test a primary falls prevention intervention and its effect on long term-care use and cost; determine overall long-term care cost-effectiveness of an effective falls prevention program. What is known about falls and fall prevention and identify the components of effective strategies for reducing falls is summarized. Intertwined in the discussion are the results of interviews conducted with individuals representing nine fall prevention programs that have been identified as particularly successful. The goal is to build on frameworks that have already been developed by experts in the field to inform the development of a "standardized and trackable" intervention. Also addressed are issues related to the effectiveness of interventions, that is, reducing the incidence of falls and associated acute and long-term care costs and the costs of implementing the intervention."
April 8, 2004
Environmental Factors
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Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation [Journal]
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The article Promoting Safety and Function Through Home Assessments "focuses on performing home assessments" because "[i]t is important that home care providers perform home assessments that evaluate the degree of patient safety and functional capabilities within living environments." An extensive safety checklist is also included.
1999
Osteoporosis
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The website contains widespread information on osteoporosis including: an overview, causes, symptoms, exams and tests, treatments, medications, and many others.
2005
Muscle Weakness/Balance and Gait Exercise
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The article provides information on the history and benefits of using Tai Chi in muscle strengthening and balance training. "Tai chi aims to address the body and mind as an interconnected system and to improve mental and physical health while benefiting posture, balance, flexibility and strength."
July 6, 2005
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American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand on Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults found in Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc., Vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 992-1008, 1998 looks to make apparent the benefits of both cardiovascular and strength training activity. "As more individuals live longer, it is imperative to determine the extent and mechanisms by which exercise and physical activity can improve health, functional capacity, quality of life, and independence in this population. Aging is a complex process involving many variables (e.g., genetics, lifestyle factors, chronic diseases) that interact with one another, greatly influencing the manner in which we age. Participation in regular physical activity (both aerobic and strength exercises) elicits a number of favorable responses that contribute to healthy aging. Much has been learned recently regarding the adaptability of various biological systems, as well as the ways that regular exercise can influence them. The benefits associated with regular exercise and physical activity contribute to a more healthy, independent lifestyle, greatly improving the functional capacity and quality of life in this population."
1998
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The best practice article, Determinants of Balance Confidence in Community-Dwelling Elderly People, concludes that: "The results of this study suggest that balance impairments are present in people with diminished confidence in their balance ability and play an important role in determining balance confidence. This relationship has important implications for the development of rehabilitation programs that aim to improve balance confidence and diminish its impact on function in elderly people."
August 1, 2002
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The brief article Aquatic Exercise: Gentle on Your Bones, Joints, and Muscles explains the benefits to performing exercise in water. Links to related websites is available.
June 24, 2004
Vitamin D Deficiency
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The article, Vitamin D Deficiency, Muscle Function, and Falls in Elderly People, proposes that "Vitamin D deficiency is a condition that may cause muscle weakness in elderly persons," which may contribute to falls.
2002
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The Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D provides information on obtaining the proper amount of Vitamin D, which may prevent muscle weakness and, consequently, falls.
Updated August 5, 2005
Medication
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The literature review, The Role of the Pharmacist in Fall Prevention of the Elderly, informs pharmacists on their role in preventing elderly falls through medication monitoring.
July 2001
Alcohol Abuse
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The article, Alcoholism in the Elderly, deals with the issues related to alcoholism and the elderly.
March 15, 2000