Age and ageing
-
knowledge of the circumstances and consequences of falls in older adults is important for understanding the aetiology of falls as well as for effective clinical assessment and design of fall prevention strategies. Such data, however, are relatively scarce, especially in community-dwelling elders. ⋯ the results of this study provide insight into the circumstances and consequences of falls among independent community-dwelling older adults and suggest some possible ways of preventing falls. Preventive services, however, should not solely target recurrent fallers, nor should the type of services necessarily differ for one-time and recurrent fallers.
-
To determine the presentation, course and duration of delirium in hospitalized older people. ⋯ Delirium in hospitalized older people is common and has a varied presentation and time course. Clinicians and researchers need to consider this great heterogeneity when caring for patients and when studying delirium.
-
Depression is not uncommon among acutely ill geriatric inpatients. ⋯ Both shorter versions of the GDS may be utilized in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients.
-
Assessment of continuing health care needs is unstandardized and often undertaken by professionals not trained in the management of complex disability. ⋯ Specialist intervention, using a team approach, facilitates effective implementation of continuing care guidelines in hospitalized patients.