Risk Reduction: Fall risk reduction in healthcare facilities

FALL RISK REDUCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FALL RISK REDUCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES Fall Risk Reduction Among Older Adults in Healthcare Facilities Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Fall Risk Reduction Among Older Adults in Healthcare Facilities Introduction It has been established that falls are one of the most frequent geriatric syndromes frightening the autonomy of the geriatric population. Lee, Lee, and Khang (2013) estimate that between 30 and 40 percent of persons older than 65 years and dwell in the community experience falls annually. The rates are said to be higher among nursing residents. Some of the factors associated with falls include increased morbidity, mortality, and placement in nursing homes. Most falls come from multiple causes though there are common risk factors, which comprise weakness in muscles, having a falls history, making use of four or more medications that have been prescribed, assistive device use, arthritis, depression, being 80 years old or more, and impairments in gait, balance, vision, and activities of daily living. Around 20 to 30 percent of the geriatric population which experience falls suffer serious injuries including hip fractures and head trauma. Falls may cause post-fall anxiety syndrome, which may result in depression, feeling vulnerable, and social isolation. As a way of reducing falls risk in healthcare facilities among older patients, this paper explores four solutions or interventions for the problem, stakeholders, and the expected results. Description of the Problem or Issue Several studies have explored the different interventions to the problem of falls among older adults and their effectiveness. However, none of these studies propose solutions to the problem, identify the involved stakeholders, and provide the expected results. Despite the fact that falls do not strike fear in the hearts of its victims, they are belie