Evidence for your Practice: Preventing falls for seniors

Article: Naseri, C., Haines, T. P., Etherton-Beer, C., McPhail, S., Morris, M. E., Flicker, L., ... & Hill, A. M. (2018). Reducing falls in older adults recently discharged from hospital: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and ageing, 47(4), 512-519.

Study Aim:  To systematic review to synthesise the evidence for effective falls prevention interventions.

Population: Older adults recently discharged from hospital. 

Key Findings: 

• Home hazard modification interventions delivered to those with a previous falls history was effective in reducing the number of falls
• Home exercise interventions significantly increased the proportion of fallers and did not significantly reduce falls rate or falls injury rate
• Nutritional supplementation for malnourished older adults significantly reduced the proportion of fallers

Bottom Line for OT: 

Occupational therapists can reduce falls for older adults by reducing hazards in the home and supporting access to nutritional supplementation. 

Read the article abstract

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