Citation

Honaker JA, Kretschmer LW. Am. J. Audiol. 2014; 23(1): 20-33.

Affiliation

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, College of Education and Human Services, Lincoln, NE.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)

DOI

10.1044/1059-0889(2013/12-0074)

PMID

23824441

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of fear of falling (FoF) on older patients with dizziness history and their caregivers to better determine holistic needs when developing a patient-family centered approach to falling risk reduction. METHOD: A mixed-method design incorporating a phenomenological qualitative approach to explore the impact of fear of falling in fourteen patients as well as a family member or spouse of each patient. Quantitative analysis was used to further interpret results of interviews conducted before and after participation in a vestibular and balance rehabilitation program designed to reduce falling risk and improve balance confidence. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis of participant interviews pre and post vestibular rehabilitation revealed lifestyle changes for both participants and family caregivers due to FoF and need for reducing falling concerns. Age of the patient showed statistically significant differences in levels of balance confidence with younger subjects (≤65 years) showing more concerns about the consequences of falling even after rehabilitation than older subjects (>65 years). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the impact of FoF on participation and activity levels of patients and family caregivers as well as the need to thoroughly evaluate falling fears to achieve a holistic rehabilitation outcome.

Language: en