INCIDENCE OF FALLS IN 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF GERIATRIC-CARE

The incidence and consequences of falls were investigated in three dif ferent types of Swedish geriatric care clinics: a geriatric rehabilita tion clinic, a psychogeriatric clinic and a nursing home. Falls were p rospectively registered by the nursing staff. The incidence rate (and 95% confidence interval) of falls per 10,000 patient days of the psych ogeriatric clinic was 171 (146-196), compared with 92 (72-112) at the geriatric rehabilitation clinic, and 31 (22-41) at the nursing home. M ost falls (62%) did not result in injury, while major injuries occurre d in 5%. We conclude that accidental falls are a major problem in geri atric care in Sweden, but there is a considerable difference in incide nce rates between different types of institutions.