Citation

Hammarlund CS, Hagell P, Westergren A. J. Community Health Nurs. 2016; 33(4): 181-189.

Affiliation

The PRO-CARE Group , Kristianstad University , Kristianstad , Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07370016.2016.1227211

PMID

27749090

Abstract

During preventive home visits, the purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of fall risk and any associated factors. Participants (n = 1471) were cognitively sound community-dwelling older adults (≥ 70 years) without home-help service, living in a Swedish municipality. The Downton Fall Risk Index and nine single items were used. Tiredness/fatigue, age ≥ 80, inability to walk 1 hr, inability to climb stairs and worrying were significantly associated with fall risk. Preventive home visits incorporating fall-risk screening proved valuable, providing information for interventions aimed at preventing falls, maintaining independence, and facilitating health among community dwelling participants.

Language: en