Summary of factors contributing to falls in older adults and nursing implications.
Falls are a common cause of serious injury and injury-related death in the older adult population, and may be associated with multiple risks such as age, history of falls, impaired mobility, balance and gait problems, and medications. Sensory and environmental factors as well as the fear of falling may also increase the risk of falls. The purpose of this article is to review current best practice on screening fall risks and fear of falling, fall prevention strategies, and fall prevention resources to assist gerontological nurses in reducing falls by their older adult clients.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. Electronic address: caenderlin@uams.edu.
Carol
C
Enderlin
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Janet
J
Rooker
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, USA.
Susan
S
Ball
Pinnacle Health System in Harrisburg, PA, USA.
Dawn
D
Hippensteel
National Gerontological Nursing Association, APRN Collaborative Community Practice, USA.
Joanne
J
Alderman
St. Monica Manor, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Sarah Jean
SJ
Fisher
University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Nanci
N
McLeskey
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, USA.
Kerry
K
Jordan
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013575:Syncope
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
Fall risk; Fall risk screening; Falls