Falls in seniors: study tracks hidden loss of independence

This study follows 280 older adults (65+) who visit the emergency room after a simple fall but are not hospitalized. Researchers want to see how often their ability to do daily tasks like bathing or dressing declines in the month after the fall. Participants answer questions about their health and lifestyle at the ER visit, then again at 7 and 30 days after discharge. The goal is to find out which factors—like frailty, medications, or fear of falling—are linked to losing independence, so doctors can better support recovery.