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. 2020 Mar;61(3):116-121.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020029.

Approach to falls among the elderly in the community

Guat Cheng Ang  1 , Shou Lin Low  1 , Choon How How  2   3
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Approach to falls among the elderly in the community

Guat Cheng Ang et al. Singapore Med J. 2020 Mar.
Free PMC article

Abstract

One in three community-dwelling elderly aged ≥ 65 years and one in two aged > 80 years will have at least one fall within a year. Many elderly people are 'silent fallers' who do not report the fall nor seek medical assistance unless they are injured. In Singapore, falls account for 40% of injury-related deaths. Unaddressed risk factors for falls lead to recurrent falls and poor quality of life. Elderly people who have experienced falls and near falls can have a fear of falling, post-fall anxiety syndrome, depression and reduction in activities, with a negative impact on their well-being. Primary care doctors can screen and optimise modifiable risk factors such as poor vision, balance, poor gait, motor weakness, joint disorders, psychotropic drugs, sedatives, anti-hypertension medications, choice of footwear and environment factors. Timely referrals for cataract operations, balance and strengthening exercises, and osteoporosis treatment can reduce the risk of falls and injurious outcomes.

Keywords: community; elderly; falls; prevention.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Chart shows the cycle of falls.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Diagram shows the components of proper footwear to reduce the chance of falls.
Box 1
Box 1
The SPLATT mnemonic:(19)
Box 2
Box 2
Useful tips for a consultation with a patient after a fall:
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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