© 1981 British Society for Rheumatology
research-article |
DESCRIPTION, CLASSIFICATION AND PREVENTION OF FALLS IN OLD PEOPLE AT HOME
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Birmingham
Correspondence to:
Requests for reprints to Professor Bernard Isaaes, Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Hayward Building, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Brimingham B29 6JD
One hundred and twenty-five people aged 65 and over who reported to their doctors that they had suffered falls at home were seen shortly after the fall by a research nurse who obtained a detailed history, based as far as possible on the patient's own statements and on an attempted reconstruction of the fall. Analysis of this description led to a classification of falls based on the nature of the displacing force. In turn, this classification can be used to highlight the necessary preventive action.