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Fall prevention in the elderly is a multifaceted task that encompasses both the number of risk factors and their
modification methods. Fall risk factors have been identified as intrinsic, such as decreased strength, impaired
balance, and number (>4) of medications taken, and extrinsic, such as poor lighting and slippery floors. As the
number of risk factors increases, an individual’s risk increases linearly. Interventions are being used to decrease
risk factors, but the essential and adequate components are not clearly understood. Combinations of treatment
interventions aimed at modifying risk factors presently are the most sufficient way of addressing fall prevention.
Key words: elderly, falls, risk factors
Marsha M. Guelich
Student Physical Therapist
Gannon University
Erie, Pennsylvania
REVENTING falls in the elderly is a
necessary aspect of geriatric rehabilitation.
Physical therapists have the means to
assist elderly individuals with mobility and
stability impairments as well as strategies
aimed at reducing the risk for falls. The
prevention of falls is a multiple component
task that encompasses both the number of
risk factors a person may have and modification
methods for those risk factors. Considering
the number of risk factors a client/patient
may have is important because risk factors
linearly increase the risk of falling