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MINIMISATION OF RISK FACTORS
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Falls in the elderly are a major public health and community problem with adverse physical, medical, psychological, social and economic sequelae. In Australia approximately 30% of the elderly in the community living at home have at least 1 fall and a significantly higher number in residential settings, especially nursing homes.
Age related changes and disease both have an impact on an older persons ability to balance. Cognitive impairment, various medications, and changes in a persons environment all appear to contribute to increasing the risk of falling.
This study was undertaken to examine factors affecting balance and strength in the Nursing Home population, an at risk group that is traditionally difficult to study. It also sought to test if certain assessment tools were suitable for this population and verify the above. There have been many tools developed to evaluate aspects of balance and function; various tools were put forward for use in this group and each was evaluated for suitability, practicality and reliability.
The population studied had a high incidence of dementia and tests needed to be reliable, simple and valid. All tests considered are discussed in this paper. The literature (see bibliography in Appendix 9 ) revealed a variety of stability tests few relevant or tested with the frail elderly.
This pilot study was undertaken to develop and assess reliable tests appropriate for the frail aged, and to develop and evaluate various functional stability tests using the Kistler Force Plate.
