Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Aile Hekimliği Anabilim Dalı, AYDIN Aim of the study was to evaluate the balance and gait status of elderly persons, the factors affecting their status and determine the risk of falls. Our study group was 101 residents of the nursing home in Aydın. A form for assesing the handicap status, usage of helping devices (walker, cane etc.) and chronic conditions was filled and Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation Scale was applied. The scores between 28-26, 25-19 and below 19 were accepted as normal function, moderate and severe impairment group, respectively. Mean value of the balance and gait score was 19.51. Of the total residents, 41(40.6%) were in the severe, 23(22.8%) were in the moderate impairment group and 37(36.6%) showed normal function. Of the 20 elderly with cerebrovascular diseas, 16 (80%) and of the 37 women, 20 (%54) were in the severe impairment group. Among the 73 residents who were not using helping devices, 18 (24.6%) were also in the severe impairment group. Nearly half of the residents showed severe balance and gait problems. Female gender and cerebrovascular disease were found to be the risk factors for fall. Risk groups for fall have to be educated for prevention of fall and encouraged to use helping devices. Keywords : Elderly, Gait, Geriatrics, Falls, Risk Assessment, Female