Maintaining independence after a fall

Abstract

Falls have a significant impact upon independent living ability in older people, with fall-related fractures one of the leading predictors of having to move into assisted living facilities. The loss of independence associated with a severe fall is often accompanied by a decline in physical, social, emotional and economic well-being. Rehabilitation programmes to restore functional ability following a fall have a greater chance of success if they adopt a multi-disciplinary approach and, if appropriate, are conducted in the patient's own home. Additional multi-component interventions that improve confidence and reduce the risk of subsequent falls may confer benefits by assisting individuals independently to perform activities of daily living.