[Can falls in nursing homes be avoided?]
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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults
Published on: February 8, 2019
J Kuchynka1, L Käser, A Wettstein
1Kantonales Pflegezentrum Schaffhausen.
Abstract:
Fall-related injuries in nursing homes for the aged are frequent and cost-intensive. Their iatrogenic causes are well known and avoided in modern geriatric institutions. We examined all falls in an institution during the period of 19 months. Patients who carry out daily tasks on a semi-independent level were most at risk. The main risk-factor was dementia. Medication did not prove a major risk-factor. At 37% p. a. the risk of falling was lower than in previous studies. This was due to a restriction on benzodiazepines with short term effects, minimising of neuroleptics, diuretics and other types of antihypertensives as well as avoidance of polypharmacy. Unavoidable risks need to be identified and should result in use of a hip protector.
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