TY - JOUR T1 - Falls and the use of health services in community-living elderly people. JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 923 LP - 925 VL - 52 IS - 484 AU - Helen Stoddart AU - Debbie Sharp AU - Ian Harvey AU - Elise Whitley Y1 - 2002/11/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/52/484/923.abstract N2 - Falls are common and often preventable in older people. This short report describes substantial unmet need in relation to falls. Although falling, nearly falling, fear of falling, and activity restriction are common, many people do not seek assistance from healthcare professionals. Only 2% of those who had attended their general practioner (GP), a casualty department, or had been admitted to hospital after a fall were taking drugs to protect against osteoporosis. People who have fallen or are at a risk of falling need to be identified, and local policies and information regarding treatment for osteoporosis are needed. ER -