Role of Care for the Prevention of Falls and Fractures among Elderly Persons Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

Abstract

Osteoporosis is the most important disease, along with cognitive disorders, in the aging society, especially in developed countries. Residents of long-term care facilities are a high-risk population for falls and fractures because of their frailty and cognitive disorders. People with internal or external risk factors might fall more frequently. Internal risk factors are endogenous features of each individual, most of which cannot be altered by intervention. On the other hand, external risk factors are environmental conditions, which can be easily modified in many cases. After a fall, the individual suffers an impact force. To reduce this impact force is an alternative measure to prevent fractures, not falls. As an internal risk factor for fracture, bone mineral density (BMD) might become a target for treatment. For that purpose, we have several effective medicines to increase BMD and reduce fracture rates. The most important thing is that caregivers in long-term care facilities develop a better understanding of risk factors for falls and fractures to reduce fall-related injuries of residents.