<br/> RISCO DE QUEDA NOS IDOSOS: MAIS VALE PREVENIR QUE REMEDIAR! <br/>

Abstract

Introduction: The Episodes of falls in the elderly are considered a public health problem. Physiological, behavioral and environmental changes, such as architectural barriers, are the main factors of risk for the occurrence of episodes of falls within elderly. The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of falls in polymedicated elderly people, aged 75 years or over, in a civil parish area of a Community Care Unit of the Central Alentejo Health Center Group. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out involving 53 elderly people, to whom fall risk assessment instruments were applied, namely the Morse Scale and an observation grid. Results: Of the population studied (N = 53), 33 elderly people had already suffered episodes of falls, the main reason being the imbalance. All seniors are polymedicated, taking at least 4 different medications per day. As for current health problems, the most prevalent are vision problems, high blood pressure, rheumatic diseases and hearing problems. In relation to the physical environment at home, there was the presence of numerous risk factors/architectural barriers that can potentiate the occurrence of falls as well as a lack of knowledge regarding them. Conclusion: It is concluded that it is necessary to establish health-promoting community intervention strategies that contribute to the training and awareness of the elderly in the adoption of measures to prevent falls. Keywords: Accidental Falls; Aged; Polypharmacy; Public Health.