Falls in a community of older adults: putting research into practice

Abstract

This study described the incidences of falls and injuries related to those falls in a community of older adults. It used a convenience sample of 220 older adults in a continuing care retirement community. Over a 2-year period, all residents who had a witnessed or reported fall were evaluated by a nurse or nurse practitioner and completed a Falls Data form. There were 154 falls, most of which occurred between noon and midnight, within the residents' apartments, when walking (63%) or transferring (19%). Only 16 (10%) of the falls resulted in a fracture. The number of falls was the only variable associated with having an injurious fall. Individuals who had atrial fibrillation or neurological problems, were not married, and did not adhere to a regular exercise program were more likely to have multiple falls. The findings were used by the nurse practitioner to educate residents about falls in their community and to develop interventions to decrease the risk and incidences of falls.