ABSTRACT
Over the last half century, life expectancy has increased on average by 15 years. The elderly now comprise a quarter of the western world’s population. Elderly patients are often defined by the frequent presence of multiple pathologies, and the atypical presentation of illness. ‘Delirium’ is a term often used interchangeably with phrases such as ‘acute confusional state’, ‘acute organic brain syndrome’, and ‘toxic confusional state’. Falls are a common problem causing considerable mortality, morbidity, reduced function and premature nursing home admission. Falls have multiple precipitating causes and predisposing risk factors. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence provides guidance for the healthcare team to identify and assess falls in the elderly. Hospital-acquired infections are common in elderly patients with frequent admissions to hospital. Clostridium difficile is a major nosocomial infection associated predominantly with antibiotic use.
