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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 November 2019

Kim Lombard, Laura Desmond, Ciara Phelan and Joan Brangan

As one ages, the risk of experiencing a fall increases and poses a number of serious consequences; 30 per cent of individuals over 65 years of age fall each year. Evidence-based…

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Abstract

Purpose

As one ages, the risk of experiencing a fall increases and poses a number of serious consequences; 30 per cent of individuals over 65 years of age fall each year. Evidence-based falls prevention programmes demonstrate efficacy in reducing the rate and risk of falls among older adults, but their use in Irish occupational therapy practice is unknown. This study aims to investigate the implementation of falls prevention programmes by occupational therapists working with older adults in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data on the use of falls prevention programmes among occupational therapists working with older adults in any clinical setting across Ireland. Purposeful, convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland acted as a gatekeeper. Descriptive statistics and summative content analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Findings

In all, 85 survey responses were analysed. Over 85 per cent of respondents reported “Never” using any of the evidence-based falls prevention programmes. The “OTAGO” Exercise Programme was the most “Frequently” used programme (9.5 per cent, n = 7); 29 respondents reported using “in-department” developed falls prevention programmes and 14 provided additional comments regarding current falls prevention practices in Ireland.

Originality/value

In the absence of Irish data on the subject, this study provides a benchmark to describe the use of evidence-based falls programmes by Irish occupational therapists with older adults.

Details

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-8819

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2022

Jacqueline Francis-Coad, Tessa Watts, Caroline Bulsara and Anne-Marie Hill

The purpose of this study was to co-design a falls prevention education programme with aged care home residents and staff and evaluate its feasibility. The intention of providing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to co-design a falls prevention education programme with aged care home residents and staff and evaluate its feasibility. The intention of providing the education programme was to assist residents to stay safe and mobile whilst reducing their risk of falling.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase mixed methods participatory design using a resident (n = 6) and care staff (n = 5) consumer engagement panel, pre- and post-programme resident (n = 35) survey and semi-structured care staff interviews (n = 8) was undertaken in two countries.

Findings

A poster, brochure, video and staff education guide featuring 12 safety messages depicting fall prevention behaviours were co-designed. Residents, supported by staff, perceived the falls prevention education programme as enjoyable and informative, but there were no significant differences in capability, opportunity or motivation. However, several residents were observed enacting fall prevention behaviours such as “If I feel unwell, I'll ring the bell” and waiting for staff assistance. Challenges to programme demand, acceptability and implementation which may have impacted residents' exposure and engagement with the programme were identified, along with recommendations to improve feasibility.

Practical implications

When developing falls prevention education programmes partnering with residents and staff, providing choices to meet personal and aesthetic preferences along with frequent, shorter duration learning opportunities are important for translating education messages into actions.

Originality/value

The use of bespoke resources, novel rhymes, positive messages emphasising safety and co-designing with residents themselves was a welcomed point of programme difference.

Details

Health Education, vol. 122 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2004

Linda Dobrzanska, Debbie Crossland, Maggie Domanski and Sue Towriss

The Falls Exercise Prevention Programme for older people was introduced as a new project for North Bradford Primary Care Trust in 2002. The introduction of this new service was in…

Abstract

The Falls Exercise Prevention Programme for older people was introduced as a new project for North Bradford Primary Care Trust in 2002. The introduction of this new service was in response to an identified need to help reduce the incidence of falls, reduce serious injuries as a result of falling, and help improve and maintain the quality of life for those older people who had been identified as having had a fall or being at high risk of falling. The service was not established to be a front line service but to be incorporated into the falls referral pathway. The exercises undertaken are all evidence based and proven to be effective with this population. However, the Group promotes other aspects of quality of life for older people and promotes a holistic approach including health promotion and education. The group has now expanded to incorporate a ‘Walking for Health’ project; a ‘Walk From Home’ project and a ‘Buddy‐Up’ system. The Group is continually growing and future plans are to incorporate ‘Walks for Fallers’. Evaluation of the service provides information to continually improve and extend the services on offer.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2007

Lorna Conn

Falls among older people cause significant mortality and morbidity, thus presenting a serious issue for older people and health and social care professionals alike. The simple…

Abstract

Falls among older people cause significant mortality and morbidity, thus presenting a serious issue for older people and health and social care professionals alike. The simple occurrence of a fall conceals the range of physical, psychological, social and environmental factors, which can contribute to this event. Research advocates that professionals should engage with health promotion and develop individualised preventions in order to minimise risk of falling. In this study, a multi‐disciplinary, falls prevention initiative was developed with older people who had recently fallen. The initiative started with a common assessment but was followed by a variable, individualised programme of different interventions. The older people involved were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention, using a questionnaire checklist, on several different dimensions associated with falling. Outcomes were assessed in terms of reduction in risk and the incidence of falls, both of which were found to be statistically significant in several of the identified dimensions post‐intervention. Consequently, it could be estimated that approximately 44 falls were prevented through this nine‐month initiative. This study would support the integration of this falls prevention initiative into routine community care practice through the existing over‐75 health check and the development of a specialised falls team. Further research would be beneficial to follow up whether the reduction in the incidence of falling is sustained over time. Enhanced participation of user, carer, voluntary and community partners is recommended as this would allow older people themselves to play an active role in improving their own well‐being and that of others.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Jill Manthorpe and Jo Moriarty

The purpose of this paper is to explore the equalities’ dimension of falls prevention services in light of the Equality Act 2010 and its protected characteristics. Research and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the equalities’ dimension of falls prevention services in light of the Equality Act 2010 and its protected characteristics. Research and policy are discussed in light of the Act and public services’ duties to be aware of their responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial research review was undertaken in 2012 and updated in 2016.

Findings

The research on falls prevention services does not always collect data on users of the service and services do not always collect data about their users that would enable them to build a picture of their users in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Practical implications

Services and commissioners will need to be able to show that the services funded by the public purse are accessible, acceptable and appropriate to the UK’s increasingly diverse older population. This paper describes some of the existing resources and research papers that contain elements of attention to the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.

Originality/value

This is an update on a research review undertaken in 2012.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2010

Audrey Kinsella

Falls at home among the elderly are frequent and costly occurrences. Timely responses to falls are possible when initiated by the use of Personal Emergency Response Systems…

Abstract

Falls at home among the elderly are frequent and costly occurrences. Timely responses to falls are possible when initiated by the use of Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). More work is needed, however, in preventing these falls from occurring. Means to prevent falls among the elderly include using higher technology such as telehealth systems and lower technology such as home modifications that better ensure safety of elderly residents. Fall prevention programmes that are developed specifically for the elderly living in their own homes need to comprise a combination of both low‐ and high‐tech preventative strategies.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2020

Megan Elliott, Hannah Watson, Amy Lewis and Carolyn Wallace

Falls are common in older adults and are associated with injuries and serious ongoing problems. This paper aims to present a participatory evaluation of a Falls Awareness Programme

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Abstract

Purpose

Falls are common in older adults and are associated with injuries and serious ongoing problems. This paper aims to present a participatory evaluation of a Falls Awareness Programme implemented in South Wales for older adults living in sheltered housing schemes or in the community. It identifies methodological issues and provides recommendations for evaluation design and methods for community-based interventions in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods study combining a non-experimental pretest–posttest design with face-to-face focus groups.

Findings

Concerns about falling and self-reported general health at baseline were worse for participants living in sheltered housing schemes, compared to participants in the community. There was no statistically significant change between baseline and follow-up in general health or concerns about falling; however, the data suggesting the programme may be more effective for people in sheltered housing schemes. Participants reported making small, but sustainable behaviour changes following the programme and described unexpected outcomes from the programme, e.g. socialising and meeting new people.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the benefit of engaging older adults in research using a participatory approach, highlights key components of community-based interventions for older people and identifies some methodological issues when conducting evaluations in the community. Specifically, it highlights the importance of selecting appropriate measurement tools for data collection and the utility of continuous monitoring where programme participation is flexible and fluid.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Lilian Mwanri and Jeffrey Fuller

Describes the development of a management plan for prevention of falls and reduction of falls injuries for older and frail people in the community, nursing homes and acute care…

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Abstract

Describes the development of a management plan for prevention of falls and reduction of falls injuries for older and frail people in the community, nursing homes and acute care settings in Whyalla, South Australia. Falls among the elderly have been described as the most common causes of injury and hospital admissions for trauma in Australia. Prevention and control of injury is one of the five National Health Policy Priority Areas in Australia. As a response to the national initiative, and a felt need, the South Australian Centre for Rural and Remote Health was commissioned by the local health service to develop a plan that would address falls prevention in the older people in Whyalla. The plan was developed in consultation with the key stakeholders. An evidence‐based plan that uses messages from the scientific literature but modified to account for stakeholders’ feedback on what is feasible in practice, is considered a good example of best practice. Furthermore, the alignment of literature review alongside stakeholders’ consultation provides higher chances of the plan being adopted locally.

Details

Health Education, vol. 103 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Pamela Holmes

Abstract

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2003

Lori Weeks and Karen Roberto

Although older women are at disproportionate risk of falling and becoming injured, little is known about the effect of falling on their quality of life. In this qualitative study…

Abstract

Although older women are at disproportionate risk of falling and becoming injured, little is known about the effect of falling on their quality of life. In this qualitative study, we examined the perceived causes of falling among older women, identified how older women's quality of life is influenced by falls, and explored how women can be empowered to prevent falls from occurring in their lives. Women who participated in focus groups indicated that the consequences of falling ranged in severity and duration and encompassed physical and psychosocial domains. The women took some ownership of preventing falls in their lives and believed that falls were caused by factors in the physical environment and personal health factors and practices. The results allow us to gain insight into the consequences of falls on the lives of older women, and that older women can influence change by preventing falls from occurring in their lives.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

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