Falls prevention in practice: guidance and case study.
Falls are a major health issue for older people. Each year 1.57 million older people fall more than three times and 70,000 fracture their hips, and injury which frequently leads to disability and even death. The National Service framework for Older People identified falls prevention as a major health priority. This article explains how a community based falls service led by a nurse and physiotherapist identified falls risk factors affecting a housebound 97-year-old lady. Factors identified and treated were poor balance and strength, osteoarthritis of the knees and thumbs, inadequate pain control, uncorrected poor vision, oedema of the legs and feet, unsuitable footwear and an unsuitable walking aid. As a result of the interventions falls risk was reduced and quality of life improved.
Nazarko
Linda
L
Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust and London South Bank University. linda.nazarko@rtpct.nhs.uk
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000517:prevention & control; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002183:Canes; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D018577:Homebound Persons; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012775:Shoes