Objective To understand the status, outcomes, and influencing factors of falls among the senior citizens in geriatric nursing institutions, and to make suitable proposals for related fall prevention.
Methods A total of 800 elderly people aged 60 years and older and registered to elder care services over one year were selected from the geriatric nursing institutions in two communities in Minhang District, Shanghai and were investigated with uniform questionnaires on falls.
Results The incidence rate of falls in the elderly was 13.38%, and the incidence rate in females (16.48%) was higher than that in males (7.55%). Traumatic injuries were caused among 56.07% fallen elderly. The activities of 52.41% of the elderly were restricted after their falls, and average restricted days were 52.05 d. After recovery, 85.00% of the elderly showed compromised activities of daily living, of which 35.00% slightly declined, 41.67% sharply declined, and 8.33% totally lost. The health care costs caused by falls were 5 795.60 yuan each person. Bedroom, bathroom, and staircase/hallway were the top three places where the falls happened. Weak legs, lost balance in movement, and dizziness were the top three personal reasons of falls. Lack of protective equipment, uneven/slippery surface, and insufficient light were environmental factors for falls.
Conclusion The activities of daily living among most elderly people in pension institutions are compromised after recovery from falls. The key to fall incident prevention is enhancing individual physical function and improving living environment.
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