Prevention of Falls in Long-Term Care Facilities (2005)

RECOMMENDATION

• The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) concludes that there is fair evidence to recommend multifactor assessment and intervention programs in long-term care facilities (LTC) to prevent falls and reduce hip fractures. Specific intervention plans should be tailored to meet the individual’s needs. Residents should be assessed on admission to a facility and re-assessed after a fall incident. (B Recommendation)
• The CTFPHC concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend prevention programs that are targeted exclusively to residents deemed at higher risk, even if intervention in multifaceted. (I Recommendation)
• The CTFPHC concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend selective interventions that address one domain of risk, such as exercise or physiotherapy alone, to reduce falls in LTC residents. (I Recommendation)