The Prevention of Falls

ABSTRACT

Performing a fall-related multifactorial assessment combined with a multifactorial intervention is likely to reduce the rate of falls and risk of falling. For a high risk group, a more comprehensive assessment is required. Multifactoral intervention means the adjusted subset of interventions that target the risk factors that have been identified through a fall risk assessment. Overall, current evidence shows that they reduce the rate of falls in older people living in the community. Exercise programs are effective in reducing the rate of falls. Especially, programs including balance training are more beneficial. Exercise duration needs to be long enough to obtain its benefit. Patients who have fallen should have their medication reviewed and for older individuals, a reduction or withdrawal of the medication should be considered. An 800 IU vitamin D daily supplement is recommended for all older adults at risk of falls. Environmental hazard assessment and modification, managing vision impairment, postural hypertension, heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, foot and footwear problems and the use of assistive devices are also beneficial and recommended.