TY - JOUR T1 - Falls in the elderly JF - Canadian Family Physician JO - Can Fam Physician SP - 771 LP - 776 VL - 57 IS - 7 AU - Tareef Al-Aama Y1 - 2011/07/01 UR - http://www.cfp.ca/content/57/7/771.abstract N2 - Objective To provide family physicians with a practical, evidence-based approach to fall prevention in the elderly. Sources of information MEDLINE was searched using terms relevant to falls among the elderly in the community and in institutions. Relevant English-language papers published from 1980 to July 2010 were reviewed. Relevant geriatric society guidelines were reviewed as well. Main message Falls are a common and serious health problem with devastating consequences. Several risk factors have been identified in the literature. Falls can be prevented through several evidence-based interventions, which can be either single or multicomponent interventions. Identifying at-risk patients is the most important part of management, as applying preventive measures in this vulnerable population can have a profound effect on public health. Conclusion Family physicians have a pivotal role in screening older patients for risk of falls, and applying preventive strategies for patients at risk. ER -