RT Book, Section A1 Kane, Robert L. A1 Ouslander, Joseph G. A1 Abrass, Itamar B. A1 Resnick, Barbara SR Print(0) ID 57733990 T1 Chapter 9. Falls T2 Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 7e YR 2013 FD 2013 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-179218-9 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=57733990 RD 2024/03/29 AB Falls are a major cause of morbidity in the geriatric population. Close to one-third of those age 65 years and older living at home suffer a fall each year. Among nursing homes residents, as many as half suffer a fall each year; 10% to 25% cause serious injuries. Accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in persons older than age 65, and falls account for two-thirds of these accidental deaths. Of deaths from falls in the United States, more than 70% occur in the population older than age 65. Fear of falling can adversely affect older persons' functional status and overall quality of life. Repeated falls and consequent injuries can be important factors in the decision to institutionalize an older person.