As providers we will be exposed to all types of patients and environments. We not only need to start our initial assessment of the patient when we enter the door but also an assessment of the patients living quarters. As our society gets older (Geriatric) they might not have the ability to take care of themselves or their dwellings. With both deteriorating the elderly are more susceptible to injuries.
Elderly who had reported a fall had an average mortality rate of 16.4% within the next year, the highest mortality rate was for those over the age of 85 for both genders. Here is a good article about elderly and fall awareness program from Ohio, USA.
Ohio program focuses on fall prevention for elderly patients