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Abstract
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Parts I and II of this article examine the impact
of a falls prevention program on the fall incidents among the residents in a
nursing home. It was hypothesized that a diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive
approach should be used for nursing home residents identified as being at high
risk for falls in order to reduce the number of fall incidents and to improve
quality of life for this vulnerable population. The program effectively targeted
both intrinsic and extrinsic factors to reduce risks facing the residents. The
effectiveness of the program was evaluated by examining changes in the rate of
falls after the program was implemented. The results identified that a
multifaceted program, one that utilized multiple personalized interventions, was
effective in reducing the falls rate of frail (those with complex medical and
psychosocial problems) nursing home residents, and that muscle-strengthening
interventions may be beneficial for this vulnerable population. Program outcomes
verified that case managers can impact quality of life for frail elderly nursing
home residents by promoting their independence and safety, and postponing
problems resulting from inactivity. Part I discusses the background and process
of a falls program and factors contributing to the occurrence of falls. Part II
will examine the interdisciplinary team approach to assessment, method, and
implementing strategies for an effective fall prevention program. Tools used for
prevention, monitoring, and investigation of falls will be detailed in Part
II. |