Fear of falls among nursing homes residents and community dwelling elderly

Abstract

Background: fear of falling is common among elderly faller and it has been associated with impaired mobility and decreased functional status. As a result, older adults who have fallen are at greater risk of becoming institutionalized regardless of whether they have experienced an injurious fall. Objectives: the aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of fear of falls in elderly in geriatric home and in community dwelling elderly. Subjects and Methods: Design: A comparative study. Participants: 100 resident in nursing homes in Cairo and another 100 in community. Measurements: comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) including Minimental status examination (MMSE-30), Geriatric Depression scale (GDS-15), Mininutritional assessment (MNA), time up and go test (TUGT), activity of daily living (ADL), instrumental activity of daily living (IADl), Single item question “are you afraid of falling?” Results: the study showed that the prevalence of fear of falls in elderly living in nursing homes in Cairo is higher than others living in community, also showed that a higher percentage of environmental factors of falling among elderly in nursing homes compared to community, higher percentage of elderly with risk of fall living in nursing homes. Conclusion: prevalence of fear of falls is higher in elderly living in nursing homes in Cairo than others living in community.