Falls Prevention Programs

Falls Prevention Programs and education help to improve the quality of life of seniors aged 65 years and older and decrease the burden of falls on the health care system.
Falls lead to serious injuries, sometimes death, hospitalization, and are the main reason that seniors are institutionalized in Long Term Care.

Risk Factors can be broken down into six main areas:

1.    Physiological

• Balance deficit
• Gait deficit
• Muscle weakness
• Mobility Issues
• Inappropriate use of assistive devices

2.    Medical

• History of falls
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol
• Cognitive impairment
• Diseases such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Coronary Artery Disease, Diabetes, Parkinson disease
• Depression
• Postural Hypertension

3.     Socio-demographic

• Age
• Gender
• Social determinants of health – living in poverty, housing, income, education  

4.    Pharmacological

• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Anti-psychotics
• Incorrect use of pain medications
• Use of multiple drugs – drug interactions
• Psychotropic drugs – sedatives, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs

5.    Behavioural

• Agitation, confusion
• Fear of falling
• Inappropriate footwear
• Haste or poor-judgment
• Risk taking

6.     Environment

• Poor lighting
• Mats that don’t have rubber backing
• Loose carpeting or floor boards, linoleum
• Electrical cords that are placed along walking paths
• Poorly lit staircases
• Clutter and debris
• Outdoor environment: no snow and ice removal
• Cracked walkways
• Unsafe stairs, rails
• Poor outdoor lighting

At Alert Best Nursing we do a free client and environmental assessment for new clients. The home safety check is done for the benefit of our clients and staff, to reduce the risk for falls and other injuries. Often minor issues can be resolved. Problems that require medical assessment or repairs are discussed with the client and family.

For more information on Falls Prevention Programs go to Google and search for SHRTN the Senior Health Research Transfer Network.

Yvonne Griggs