Revista española de geriatría y gerontología
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Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol · Nov 2009
Comparative Study[Changes in the incidence of falls in an intermediate and long-term care center].
The characteristics of falls in older patients admitted to an institution in 2 different periods. ⋯ a) the incidence of falls increased in the second period of the study; b) in period A, risk factors for falls related to rehabilitation (moving from bed to chair, use of walking aids) were more frequent. In period B, risk factors related to the characteristics of psychogeriatric patients were predominant (neurological illness, use of psychotropic drugs, and c) the difference in the incidence of falls between the two study periods may be related to the distinct characteristics of the patients (case mix).
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Admission of elderly patients to intensive care units (ICU) is an increasing phenomenon. The severity of the disease causing admission and the basal functional patient's status are conditions more important than age to predict mortality and long term functional outcome. Studies demonstrate that elderly ICU survivors recover after discharge the majority part of their functional capability and perception of quality of life. ⋯ The culture of geriatric comprehensive assessment should be implemented in ICU and especially after discharge. The use of simple and validates scales (Barthel's Index, Lawton's Index and EuroQol-5D...) must be incorporated into the clinical practice. This is a good tool that could be useful for the specialists involved in the usually difficult decision of whether an elderly patient should or not be admitted to an ICU.