Abstract
Background
Falls are a significant health problem among the elderly, often leading to serious health consequences such as bone fractures, head injuries, and loss of independence. A review of the literature identified a number of risk factors for falls among this group, including physical limitations, such as muscle weakness and loss of balance, vision and hearing problems, emotional instability, multimorbidity, and environmental factors such as unsuitable home environments. In addition, an ageing population may contribute to an increase in the incidence of falls. Therefore, determining the cause, risk factors, and circumstances of falls is a prerequisite for effective reduction of their number. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for falls in people living in nursing homes and in their own homes, as well as to investigate the effectiveness of different prevention strategies.
Material and methods
102 patients divided into two groups participated in the study:. Group I included patients residing in a residential care facility. Group II consisted of patients living at home with their families. The research tool was an original survey questionnaire. The questionnaire included a personal data section (age, gender, education, and place of residence) and 20 questions about the patient’s health status, physical activity, medications taken, use of walking aids, and the frequency, causes, consequences, and locations of falls, among others. It also included questions on knowledge about fall prevention and willingness to participate in programs aimed at preventing falls. To determine the risk of falls, a balance and gait assessment test was conducted using the Tinetti (Performance Oriented Assessment of Mobility) scale.
Results
Out of the 102 people surveyed, up to 57% had experienced a fall in the past 12 months. Falls, as well as the risk of falling, were more common in patients residing in a residential care facility than in those living with their families. The causes of falls varied widely, but the most common causes cited were dizziness and slippery and uneven surfaces. The frequency of falls increased with age. According to the respondents, falls most often occurred while walking. Those living in a residential care facility indicated their place of residence as the most common place of falls, while those living with their families fell predominantly outside their home.
Conclusions
Actual falls and a higher risk of falling were more frequent for people living in the care and treatment facility. Falls negatively affect the physical and psychological spheres of older people and are a source of deterioration in their functional capacity and quality of life. A correlation between balance and gait and actual falls was observed. The use of the Tinetti scale in people at risk of falls to apply pre-fall prevention was identified as necessary. There is insufficient knowledge of falls prevention in the people surveyed. The majority of them are interested in participating in exercises to prevent falls. Determining the cause, risk factors, and the circumstances of falls is a prerequisite for effective fall reduction. The tasks of a physiotherapist include assessing the risk of falls in the elderly, providing appropriate rehabilitation, educating patients and their on fall prevention, and teaching them how to perform daily routines safely. Research on the effectiveness of preventive interventions indicates that physical exercise can reduce the risk of falls as it improves muscle strength and balance. Educational programs and fall risk assessments can also contribute to reducing fall incidents by increasing awareness and education among the elderly and healthcare staff.