Fall Prevention Essay

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Recommended: Overview on fall prevention

Fall Prevention in the Aged Population A common cause of accidental death in the aged population is falling. The elderly has a high risk of falls related to more than 200 risk factors. The main categories are age-related deterioration, a problem with balance, gait mobility, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, blackouts, incontinence, drug therapy, and personal hazards (Nazarko, 2011, p. 323). Elderly clients, who fall recurrently at home are often admitted to nursing care homes. According to British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, individuals living in a nursing care home are more than three times likely to fall more than they did at home (Nazarko, 2011, p. 323). Optimal healthcare should ensure safety and identify any potential elderly …show more content…

For example, a serious injury such as a hip fracture can lead to the risk of death in the aged population. The research will explore the effects of acute and chronic illnesses as it relates to increased fall risk. In addition, the effect age-related changes have on fall risk. Nutrition has a great impact on fall risk. This research paper will bring awareness on components of illnesses that are treatable or what illnesses are non-treatable. A recent article suggests with age individuals will suffer from long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart failure. Progressive illnesses also increase fall risk. A chain reaction occurs when acute illness and worsening of long-term conditions lead to hospitalization of an individual for treatment or nursing home for long-term care (Leavy, Byberg, Michaelsson, Melhus, & Aberg, 2015, p. …show more content…

For example, the focus on task-specific training during transfers among frail elderly, medication review to assess for counteractions, and fall risk education among elderly with a history of falls. Nurses play a pivotal role in the prevention of falls in the elderly. Moreover, nurses working in a community setting can help to identify risk factors that may help reduce falls. A fall assessment should be implemented to ensure safety. A patient should be assessed for a history of falls. Studies show once an elderly person has fallen once they will fall again. An assessment of nutritional status is important. Well, balanced diet nutrition is fundamental and provides vitamin D and calcium to prevent bone thinning. Good nutrition also gives the energy to help aged patients with activities of daily living. The nurse should assess for personal hazards in the home like poor lighting, loose carpet, unsafe stairways, and bathtubs without non-slip mats or handles. An elderly person that has fallen in the past may start to decline activities of daily living in fear of falling again (Luxton & Riglin, 2010, p. 19). The nurses fall assessment is a strategy that is in place to assess fall risk of patients. Particular interventions have been investigated like prevention of falls, increasing bone strength, and reducing the impact from falls. It is determined that this is the greatest model for reducing falls and fractures (Luxton &

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