Description, classification and prevention of falls in old people at home.

One hundred and twenty-five people aged 65 and over who reported to their doctors that they had suffered falls at home were seen shortly after the fall by a research nurse who obtained a detailed history, based as far as possible on the patient's own statements and on an attempted reconstruction of the fall. Analysis of this description led to a classification of falls based on the nature of the displacing force. In turn, this classification can be used to highlight the necessary preventive action.