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Published on: February 8, 2019
Risk factors for falling among community-based seniors
Paula C Fletcher1, Katherine Berg, Dawn M Dalby
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario. pfletcher@wlu.ca
Journal of Patient Safety
|November 19, 2009
Summary
Identifying seniors at risk for multiple falls is crucial for effective prevention. Increased medication use, a history of falls, and difficulties with daily activities are key indicators for recurrent fallers.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Falling is a major health risk for seniors.
- Existing research identifies general fall risk factors.
- Few studies differentiate risks for single versus multiple falls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors distinguishing nonfallers from fallers (1+ falls).
- To identify risk factors distinguishing nonfallers/single fallers from multiple fallers (2+ falls).
Main Methods:
- Study included 453 participants from 5 fall intervention programs.
- Data collected using the interRAI Community Health Assessment and Berg Balance Scale.
- Risk factors analyzed for nonfallers vs. fallers and nonfallers/single fallers vs. multiple fallers.
Main Results:
- 67% were nonfallers, 33% experienced 1+ falls.
- Increased medication use and prior falls predicted 1+ falls.
- Medication use, prior falls, and compromised activities of daily living predicted 2+ falls. 14% experienced 2+ falls.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing fall status is vital, as recurrent fallers benefit more from interventions.
- Standardized tools like the interRAI Community Health Assessment aid research comparisons.
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