Fall Prevention in Older Adults
Reducing the Number of Falls in Older Adults
Growing up our body experience a lot of changes. As we age, our bodies develop in order to be stronger. However, as we get older our bodies start to deteriorate; if not maintained properly it becomes fragile. It is not uncommon for older adults in their nineties to still be walking, but a single slip or fall could take that independence away. “Falls are the most common cause of accidental death among older adults and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.” (Stubbs, 2011, p.1). With an increasing older adult population there is higher stress on the long term health care system, such as longer term care facilities, slow stream rehab units, and hospitals. As this demand persist, a higher stress on the institutions and their workers may lead to older adult neglect and an overall inferior quality of care. There are several reasons why falls are becoming more frequent for the elderly but they can be prevented by carefully managing the fall risks and creating a prevention program that should be implemented in order to reduce the number of falls in older adults. The population of older adults is rapidly increasing. One common work setting for a registered practical nurse is a long term care facility. Thus, it is important for nurses to be educated about falls, their risks, and how to prevent them. “Approximately 30 percent of people over 65 fall each year, and for those over 75 the rates are higher. Between 20 and 30 percent of those who fall suffer injuries that reduce mobility and independence and increase the risk of premature death.” (The World Health Organization Europe, 2004). Registered practical nurses often work with older adults that are susceptible to falls, especially in settings that deal with patients who have mental health problems. For example, there is an even higher risk for falls on a dementia unit due to the patients'
Growing up our body experience a lot of changes. As we age, our bodies develop in order to be stronger. However, as we get older our bodies start to deteriorate; if not maintained properly it becomes fragile. It is not uncommon for older adults in their nineties to still be walking, but a single slip or fall could take that independence away. “Falls are the most common cause of accidental death among older adults and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.” (Stubbs, 2011, p.1). With an increasing older adult population there is higher stress on the long term health care system, such as longer term care facilities, slow stream rehab units, and hospitals. As this demand persist, a higher stress on the institutions and their workers may lead to older adult neglect and an overall inferior quality of care. There are several reasons why falls are becoming more frequent for the elderly but they can be prevented by carefully managing the fall risks and creating a prevention program that should be implemented in order to reduce the number of falls in older adults. The population of older adults is rapidly increasing. One common work setting for a registered practical nurse is a long term care facility. Thus, it is important for nurses to be educated about falls, their risks, and how to prevent them. “Approximately 30 percent of people over 65 fall each year, and for those over 75 the rates are higher. Between 20 and 30 percent of those who fall suffer injuries that reduce mobility and independence and increase the risk of premature death.” (The World Health Organization Europe, 2004). Registered practical nurses often work with older adults that are susceptible to falls, especially in settings that deal with patients who have mental health problems. For example, there is an even higher risk for falls on a dementia unit due to the patients'