801e Fall Prevention in Older Adults Flashcards
intrinsic risk factors for falls
advanced age, previous falls, muscle weakness, gait & balance problems, poor vision, postural hypertension, chronic conditions, & fear of falling
intrinsic chronic conditions risk factors for falls
arthritis, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, incontinence, & dementia
extrinsic risk factors for falls
lack of stair handrails, poor stair design, lack of bathroom grab bars, dim lighting or glare, obstacles & tripping hazards, slippery or uneven surfaces, psychoactive medications, improper use of assistive devices
medical conditions that influence falls
poor general health, DM, arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, incontinence, musculoskeletal disease, & muscle weakness
behavioral causes for falls
exercise, footwear, alcohol use, nutrition, & hydration
what footwear is recommended to prevent falls?
velcro shoes, shoes without laces, non-skid socks
why do people fall?
clutter, poor lighting, obstacles in paths (sliding pats, cords, furniture), lack of handrails
psychological fear of falling warning signs
need to touch or hold onto things or people, walks very slowly, takes small steps, limited movement, & expresses fear of falling
psychological fear of falling downward cycle
increased fear of falling, moves slower, avoids movement, becomes de-conditioned, dec strength & endurance, & inc risk of falling
fall assessment
fall history, medical diagnosis, support network, physical activity, cognition/memory, fear of falling & environment
meds that cause fall risk
diphenhydramine, sedative hypnotics, diuretics, sleep agents, digoxin, benzodiazepines, SSRIs, antidepressants, TCA, antihypertensives
fall assessment tools
orthostatic hypotension screening, timed up & go, BERG balance scale, beer’s criteria, eye card, monofilament test, cognitive function test
positive orthostatic hypotension screening
drop in SBP of >20 mmHg or DBP of >10 mmHg within 3 min of standing or inc in HR >20 bpm supine to standing
timed up and go assessment
- <10 freely mobile
- <20 mostly independent
- 20-29 variable mobility
- > 20 impaired mobility
BERG balance scale
A 14-item objective measure designed to assess static balance and fall risk in adult populations
interventions for fall prevention
- assessment & management of chronic conditions, vision, & hearing
- osteoporosis screening & prevention
- CMR
- referral to PT or OT
assistive devices for fall prevention
reacher, portable seat lift, perching stool, raised toilet seat, shower bench, grab bars
canes
improve balance & provide support
walkers
improve balance, relieve or reduce weight bearing, & provide 4 way stability
interventions
- encourage exercise & nutrition such as tai chi
- fall programs that include more than 1 intervention
- fall risk assessment & interventions for LYC residents w/at least 1 fall
- LTC residents offered hip protectors
STEADI
stopping elderly accidentally, deaths, & injury
