Older Adults’ Perceived Barriers to Participation in a Falls Prevention Strategy

There is a need to increase older adults’ access and adherence to falls prevention strategies. This study aims to explore older adults’ perceived barriers to participation in a fall prevention strategy. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 older adult users of a Day Care Unit from a Private Institution of Social Solidarity in the region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley in Portugal. The recruitment was made in September 2019. The interviews were recorded transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using the method of constant comparisons. The barriers to participation in a fall prevention strategy are healthcare system gaps, social context, economic context, health status, psychological capability, and lack of knowledge to demystify myths and misconceptions about falls. There are different barriers to participate in a fall prevention strategy. It is urgent to eliminate or reduce the effect of these barriers to increase older adults’ participation in fall prevention strategies.

Fall Risk and the Use of Exercise as a Fall Prevention Strategy

Increasing life expectancy and the growing number of elderly people have also increased the number of comorbidities common in this population in the same proportion, where the risk of falling is highlighted and has been increasing in a worrying and negative way. However, the practice of physical exercise can improve the prevention and reduction of falls. In this context, this chapter addresses the theme with the objective of identifying how, which, and when physical exercise can contribute in relation to the risk of falling in the elderly. Through analysis of articles and recent reviews, the chapter addresses the influence of strength, power, aerobic, and multicomponent exercises in their various components and possible influences on the risk of falling. There is also a proposal for a specific program for the risk of falling in the elderly, with adjustments in volume and intensity according to the needs of the target audience, based and improved by worldwide guidelines.

Vestibular Exercises as a Fall Prevention Strategy in Patients with Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT:Vestibular impairment (VI) and cognitive impairment (CI) are risk factors for senior falls. We tested the feasibility of a self-directed 12-week vestibular rehabilitation (VR) program in Memory Clinic patients (65 years+) with a fall, CI and VI. We assessed recruitment, exercise adherence and ability to complete questionnaires/assessments. Twelve patients with CI and falls were screened and 8/12 (75% – prevalence) had VI. All patients completed the screening tests/questionnaires (100% – completeness); 7/8 patients were recruited (87.5% – recruitment); 1/7 (85.7% – attrition) patient attended follow-up. VI is prevalent in patients with CI experiencing falls but traditional VR is not feasible, so a novel delivery of VR must be explored.

Fall prevention strategy in an emergency department

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to document the need for implementing a fall prevention strategy in an emergency department (ED). The paper also spells out the research process that led to approving an assessment tool for use in hospital outpatient services. Design/methodology/approach The fall risk assessment tool was based on the Morse Fall Scale. Gender mix and age above 65 and 80 years were assessed on six risk assessment variables using χ2 analyses. A logistic regression analysis and model were used to test predictor strength and relationships among variables. Findings In total, 5,371 (56.5 percent) geriatric outpatients were deemed to be at fall risk during the study. Women have a higher falls incidence in young and old age categories. Being on medications for patients above 80 years exposed both genders to equal fall risks. Regression analysis explained 73-98 percent of the variance in the six-variable tool. Originality/value Canadian quality and safe healthcare accreditation standards require that hospital staff develop and adhere to fall prevention policies. Anticipated physiological falls can be prevented by healthcare interventions, particularly with older people known to bear higher risk factors. An aging population is increasing healthcare volumes and medical challenges. Precautionary measures for patients with a vulnerable cognitive and physical status are essential for quality care.