With the population ageing, falls are an imminent public healthcare issue among carees, especially those living at home [4]. Falls can cause adverse psychological impact on carees, increased fear of falling again, decreased self-efficacy, and confidence in balance [5].
What are the psychological effects of old age?
There is evidence that some natural body changes associated with aging may increase a person’s risk of experiencing depression . Recent studies suggest that lower concentrations of folate in the blood and nervous system may contribute to depression, mental impairment, and dementia.
What are the effects of a fall on an older person?
Falls in turn diminish function by causing injury, activity limitations, fear of falling, and loss of mobility . Most injuries in the elderly are the result of falls; fractures of the hip, forearm, humerus, and pelvis usually result from the combined effect of falls and osteoporosis.
What are psychological risk factors for falls?
The factors most consistently associated with falls are living alone, depression, fear of falls, and poor subjective health rating . These findings are discussed in light of stressful events and health.
What are the 3 types of falls?
- Physiological (anticipated). Most in-hospital falls belong to this category. ...
- Physiological (unanticipated). ...
- Accidental.
What to watch for after an elderly person falls?
- An assessment for underlying new illness. ...
- A blood pressure and pulse reading when sitting, and when standing. ...
- Blood tests. ...
- Medications review. ...
- Gait and balance. ...
- Vitamin D level. ...
- Evaluation for underlying heart conditions or neurological conditions.
What are the most serious consequences of a fall in the elderly?
For seniors, fractures are the most serious consequence of falls (short of death). The most common bones to fracture in falls are: The hip, femur (thigh bone), pelvis, and vertebrae (spine);
What is the most common mental illness in the elderly?
The Significance of Depression Depression , a type of mood disorder, is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults.
What are the most common psychiatric illnesses in the elderly?
Common mental illnesses that are prevalent in the elderly include depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia . Just how prevalent are these illnesses? 6 million Americans over the age of 65 are affected by depression and as many as 5 million may have Alzheimer’s.
What is the most common cause of depression in older adults?
The death of friends, family members, and pets, or the loss of a spouse or partner are common causes of depression in older adults.
What medical conditions cause falls?
- Older age. ...
- Arthritis.
- Chronic pain.
- Diabetes.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Anemia or other blood disorders.
- Thyroid problems.
- Foot disorders.
What are the main causes of falls in the elderly?
- Impaired vision. Cataracts and glaucoma alter depth perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare. ...
- Home hazards. Most homes are full of falling hazards. ...
- Medication. ...
- Weakness, low balance. ...
- Chronic conditions.
In particular, falls significantly decrease the level of physical resources and thus increase the risk or level of frailty ; in turn, this increasing frailty reduces one’s ability to continue social activities, which is exacerbated by the higher likelihood of repeated falls and traumatic consequences (Fried et al., 2001 ...
What is the most common injury resulting from a fall?
Falls Are Serious and Costly
Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture . Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, 8 usually by falling sideways.
When should you see a doctor after a fall?
The following are some red flags that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, whether you hit your head in a falling accident or sustain a potential injury to another body part: Severe or lingering pain . Headaches . Obvious swelling .
What is wrong if you keep falling?
This can be caused by dehydration , ageing circulation, medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and heart conditions and some medications used to treat high blood pressure. inner ear problems – such as labyrinthitis or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) problems with your heart rate or rhythm. ...
