Risk Factors for Falls Among Older Adults †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Risk Factors for Falls Among Older Adults. Answer: Risk Factors Falls do not just happen, and people do not fall because they are old alone. There are certain risk factors that are linked to falls, which were analyzed. These are: Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness in the legs may make a senior fail to support his/her body, leading to falls (Ambrose, Paul, Hausdorff, 2013). As one grows old, the muscles supporting the body weakens making it difficult for the patients to maintain flexibility and endurance. Blood pressure: The blood pressure of a person usually drops when one gets up from a lying position or a sitting position. This condition is referred to as postural hypertension and usually results from certain medications or dehydration. The drop in blood pressure may cause an individual to fall as they become dizzy (Ambrose, Paul, Hausdorff, 2013). Vision: It is often crucial to assess the vision capacity of the elderly to reduce cases of falling. As one gets older, there is a high chance of their sight capacity being lowered (Ambrose, Paul, Hausdorff, 2013). When one cannot see clearly, there are high chances of the individual falling. Gait and balance problems: These two problems are often associated with age, and influences how the elderly walk (Ambrose, Paul, Hausdorff, 2013). Because of the poor walking style, their balance also becomes poor increasing the chances of falling. Measures to address the Risk Factors The main way of reducing cases of falling is through full engagement of front-line unit staff (Boelens, Hekman, Verkerke, 2013). This approach entails more than nursing and includes attending to the patients round the clock. The patient would get assistance to walk around the facility or when visiting the washrooms Another technique is through patient education and sensitization (Boelens, Hekman, Verkerke, 2013). This serves to inform the patients of the risk and ways of preventing the falls. The importance of engaging the nurses will be explained to them through these sessions. References Ambrose, A. F., Paul, G., Hausdorff, J. M. (2013). Risk factors for falls among older adults: a review of the literature.Maturitas,75(1), 51-61. Boelens, C., Hekman, E. E. G., Verkerke, G. J. (2013). Risk factors for falls of older citizens.Technology and Health care,21(5), 521-533.