Identifying risk factors for elder falls in geriatric rehabilitation in Israel

Purpose To identify risk factors for elder falls in a geriatric rehabilitation center in Israel. Design Retrospective chart review study. Methods 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. Findings 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. Conclusions The research findings single out patients who are allegedly at a lower risk of falls than more complex patients. Clinical Relevance 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.