Reframing the View of Falls and Care of the Older Adult: The Role of the Nurse Leader in Combatting Ageism Stereotypes and Promoting Equity

Abstract

When an older adult falls, the fall is often a proxy for underlying conditions, such as gait and balance issues or changes in cognitive or functional status. The ageist bias that “old people just fall” can hinder a holistic evaluation and management of the root causes of the fall, many of which are modifiable. Ageism has a profound impact on the health outcomes and experiences of older adults, and should not be overlooked as a social determinant of health. Nurse leaders can advance health equity for older adults by integrating evidence-based care planning using a nurse-driven, technology-enabled approach.