Falling as an indicator for mortality in the institutionalized elderly

This study was a pilot study involving retrospective chart review within a long-term care facility. Specific characteristics of the falling and nonfalling population were examined with a 1-year study period. The primary interest was to determine if a profile could be established for that individual who falls and is at risk for death having had the fall. The study considered whether there was a difference in mortality between those who fell and those who did not fall. Although not statistically significant, a higher percentage of those who fell died during the study period. Of those specific extrinsic and intrinsic characteristics of the population examined, only gait disturbance and the antihypertensive group of medications were statistically significant. Seventy-four percent of the nonambulatory population and 82% of those using antihypertensives at the time of the fall were dead at the end of the 1-year study period. The study concluded with implications for future research and pertinent implications for nursing.