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Risk indicators for falls in institutionalized frail elderly.
1Department of Biometry and Medical Documentation, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|September 26, 2003
Summary
This study identified key fall risk factors in frail elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities. Addressing urinary incontinence, cognitive issues, and transfer difficulties can help prevent falls.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Nursing Research
Background:
- Falls are a significant concern for institutionalized frail elderly.
- Identifying specific risk indicators is crucial for fall prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify individual predisposing risk indicators for falls in institutionalized frail elderly.
- To analyze predictors of accidental falls and frequent falls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study with a 1-year follow-up.
- Involved 472 long-term-care residents (mean age 84 years, 77% female).
- Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk indicators.
Main Results:
- The incidence density rate of falls was 2,558 per 1,000 resident-years.
- Predictors of falls included short-term memory loss, transfer assistance, urinary incontinence, positive fall history, and trunk restraints.
- Frequent falls were associated with depressive symptoms, transfer assistance, urinary incontinence, and positive fall history.
Conclusions:
- Urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, use of restraints, depression, and transfer difficulties are modifiable risk factors.
- A positive fall history is a nonmodifiable marker for high-risk residents.
- These indicators can be used by nursing staff for fall risk screening.
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