In 1988 and 1989 2880 incidents were reported in the psychogeriatric nursing home Stadzicht in Rotterdam. The incidents consist mainly of patient-falls (40%) or patients being found on the floor (29%). A patient falls approximately 2 times a year and is found on the floor approximately 1.5 times a year. Male patients ran a greater risk of falling than female patients. The incidents occur especially during the daytime in the living room or the hall. In 41 (2%) incidents the consequences for the patient are serious, including 28 hipfractures. Intrinsic factors (such as gender) are more important risk factors for falling than extrinsic factors (environment or the use of physical restraints). Several risks are therefore inevitable. The extrinsic factors are most suitable for prevention in the short run. Furthermore, it is necessary to asses patients on admission in terms of proneness to falls.