Instability (falls)

Instability, the principal feature of which is falls, is a common feature of elderly people.

• in community dwelling people, 30% of those over 65 years old and over 40% for those over 75 have had a fall in the past 12 months.
• around 50% of the falls are seen in people with a history of falls (twice or more a year )
• is the commonest cause of accidental deaths in elders over 75 years (1)
  
  

Falls have important implications both on the personal level and on the level of the cost to the NHS - a large burden of care is placed by people falling and needing inpatient treatment, not to mention the considerable morbidity and mortality suffered by this group.

Reference:

• (1) British Geriatrics Society 2007. Best Practice Guides – falls