Falls in the Elderly (Nurse)

This course commences with the definition and statistics for falls in the elderly. Risk and prevention factors at both the community and individual level are considered. Predictors for fall risk include increasing age, history of falls, abnormal gait or balance and polypharmacy. Validated falls risk screening tools are discussed that lead to assessment and implementation of a management plan to reduce risk of falls and fall related injuries. As part of the assessment process, history, examination, intrinsic and extrinsic factors risk factors, home assessment and appropriate investigations support the development of a management plan. Medications that may increase falls risk are listed together with falls reduction programs for the patient and also for the clinical setting.
This course is evidence-based, demonstrates best practice and is regularly updated.

Relevance to Nurses:

Nurses have an important role to play in preventing falls and harm from falls in older patients. Nurses are well positioned to drive organisational change to prevent falls through a team approach to planning, implementing and evaluating a falls prevention program. They are also well placed to recognise a change in a patient’s risk of falling and therefore can play an integral part in communicating this to all members of the health care team.

1. Outline how and when to screen and assess patients for risk of falls.
2. Determine preventative strategies to reduce the risk of falls and harm from falls, including engaging patients and their carers in falls prevention.

All nurses.