The Impact of Falls in the Elderly Living Alone
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Quality Improvement ((QI) Process:
Management of fall among elderly living alone
Quality Improvement Problem:
The risk that exists in the sustenance of injury a person gets from a fall is highly dependent on a person’s environmental hazards as well as susceptibility and environmental hazards. The falling frequency is associated with the accumulation effect of multiple disorders which are superimposed on the existing changes that are age-related.
Data to support QI Problem:
Substantial research utilizes a fall questionnaire which attempts to bring forth findings which are in regards to elderly individuals living alone status as well as experienced falls, together with those they chose to inform about the fall, the sustained injuries, ambulatory devices, safety equipment as well as the system used for the personal emergency response. The study identified that according to the percentage rating of reports of a fall incident was 52% higher amongst individuals who live by themselves in comparison to elderly individuals who live with other people in their homes. The percentage is higher in the scope of both genders in the ages 61 to 70 years in comparison to the other age groups.
Literature to support QI Problem:
According to Benson (2000), there are quite a several factors that lead to falls; therefore taking up a holistic approach towards elderly persons as well as the environment is crucial. For instance, if an individual is perceived as a fall high risk after undertaking a screening, the health care provider is expected to carry out a risk assessment for fall to acquire a substantially detailed analysis regarding a person’s risk of falling. The utilization of a validated tool is essential in falls risk assessment when making an identification of the falls causes.
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Action Plan:
- Ensuring the elderly’s bed is placed at a reasonably low position to substantially reduce sustaining serious injuries related to falls (Vincent & Moreau, 2008).
- According to Vincent and Moreau (2008), it is vital to ensure the elderly have side rails on their bed to assist with cases of individuals experiencing disorientation and confusion, ensuring the minimal probability of falling.
- Ensure sufficient lighting in the home of the elderly living alone due to the decreased visual capacity that is associated with old age (Jäntti, 1993).
- Encourage the elderly to wear shoes as well as slippers which entail non-skid soles to ensure sure footing particularly when walking (Benson, 2000).
- Jäntti (1993) indicates that, limiting rearrangement of furniture within the home of the elderly to familiarize with the rooms’ layout and prevent from tripping over furniture.
- Ensuring that the elderly have all the necessary items essential within easy reach; these essential items include the washroom, telephone, and even water (Lundin-Olsson, 2000).
- Vincent and Moreau (2008) mention that it is encouraged to strive toward the improvement of home supports through the utilization of the community service organizations which are dedicated to providing safe home environments as well as financial assistance for the elderly.
Resources to Support the Action Plan:
Benson, K. (2000). Preventing falls in the elderly. Albuquerque, NM: Hartman Pub.
In Huang, A. R., & In Mallet, L. (2016). Medication-related falls in older people: Causative factors and management strategies.
Jäntti, P. (1993). Falls in the elderly: With special reference to testing posture control and risk factors. Tampere: University of Tampere.
Lundin-Olsson, L. (2000). Prediction and prevention of falls among elderly people in residential care. Umeå: Univ.
Stalenhoef, P. A. (1999). Falls in the elderly: A primary care-based study. Maastricht: Datawyse/Universitaire Pers Maastricht.
Tideiksaar, R., & Tideiksaar, R. (2002). Falls in older people: Prevention and management. Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press.
Vincent, M. L., & Moreau, T. M. (2008). Accidental falls: Causes, prevention, and intervention. New York: Nova Science Publishers.