Fear of Falling: Giving Residents the Confidence to Move
6/1/2020
Fear of falling is common in older people and can lead to physical
decline and disability, and it actually increases the risk of falls. In
fact, this fear is thought to impact between 26 percent and 55 percent
of older adults.
A recent study in JAMDA detailed how
identifiable factors, such as the use of a walking aid or depressive
symptoms, could help determine specific preventive strategies for fear
of falling. The authors found that older age, walking aid use, and a
higher burden of depressive symptoms at baseline were predictors of fear
of falling in older adults.
Individuals with fear of falling also tended to have worse
performance on balance and physical function tests and a higher
comorbidity burden. They also were taking more antihypertensives,
tricyclic antidepressants, and sleeping aids. The authors concluded that
by identifying people at greatest risk of fear of falls, it is possible
to identify those who could benefit the most from interventions to
increase fall-related self-sufficiency.
Consider a few steps to addressing fear of falling among older adults:
• Focus on increasing confidence. Help residents gain confidence in
their ability to ambulate safely with classes or activities designed to
improve balance and increase strength. Talk to residents about their
fears and help them understand how exercise and activity will actually
help keep them safer.
• Create a safe home environment. Work with the
resident and family members to keep the person’s room or apartment free
of obstacles and hazards.
• Mark steps with bright tape.
• Make sure there are handrails and grab bars in key locations and that they are easy to grasp.
• Make sure the resident’s vision is checked regularly and that they have glasses with an accurate prescription.
•
Encourage shoes and clothing with safety in mind. This means low heels,
non-skid soles, and shoelaces that don’t hang down and present a
tripping hazard. Avoid long skirts, wide-legged pants, belts or scarfs
that hang.
• Consider the benefit of a walker, cane, or other aid. If
the resident is resistant, explain how this may increase their
confidence as they gain strength and feel more confident.