Identifying Risk Factors for Elder Falls in Geriatric Rehabilitation in Israel

To identify risk factors for elder falls in a geriatric rehabilitation center in Israel.

Retrospective chart review study.

Four hundred and twelve medical records of inpatients in geriatric rehabilitation were retrospectively analyzed to compare between elders who sustained falls and those who did not.

Of elders hospitalized during this year, 14% sustained falls. Fallers included a high proportion of males, with little comorbidity, not obese, and cardiovascular patients. Falls occurred frequently during patients' first week at the facility, mostly during the daytime. The falls occurred frequently in patients' rooms, and a common scenario was a fall during transition.

The research findings single out patients who are allegedly at a lower risk of falls than more complex patients.

Caregivers in geriatric rehabilitation settings should pay attention to patients who are allegedly at a lower risk of falls than more complex patients, and to cardiovascular patients in particular.