Fall prevention plan for the eldery

Fall Prevention for Elderly
Name of the Student
Institution affiliation
Fall Prevention for Elderly
Introduction
A major threat in geriatric individuals is the risk of fall. Elderly patients are challenged by cognitive deficits like dementia and lack of physical fitness which makes them prone to falls. In the United States of America, one -third of individuals who are aged more than 65 years experience at least one episode of fall in any given year. One out of every ten falls is designated as a serious injury (Gillespie et al, 2004).
Such injuries involve fracture femur, subdural hematoma or hip injury. All such injuries require hospitalization and the mobility of the individuals are restricted to an average span of one year. Apart from the physical and emotional aspects of injury, immobility itself creates the risk of other ailments and one such issue is the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (Martinelli, Brucierelli & Manucci, 2004). Nursing professionals and community care-providers must inculcate specific skills and evidence-based knowledge to ensure effective management of geriatric patients who are prone to falls (Chang, Morton & Rubenstein 2004).
Patient Background
Mrs. Jones being a 78-year-old individual has been susceptible to falls. This was evidenced by her recent history and frequency of falls in past three months. She has suffered the fracture in the wrists and has become relatively immobile. Moreover, she does not feel the power in her legs.

Since, she takes antihypertensive it is the possible inappropriate reduction of blood pressure may decrease perfusion of blood in the brain. This may lead to dizziness and increased susceptibility to falls. Moreover, glaucoma might impair her vision by increasing the intraocular pressure, which can make Mrs. Jones at the risk of falls. Finally, since she remains immobilized most of the time, she may be at risk of deep vein thrombosis. Hence, understanding the risk factors and implementing appropriate intervention strategies would help in reducing the risk of fall in Mrs. Jones.
Strategies for Reducing the Risk of fall
Being endowed with the responsibility of caregiving to Mrs. Jones, I would implement care strategies in accord with evidence-based guidelines.
Education: I would educate Mrs. Jones regarding the possible risk factors which she must be aware. This would include calling for support while coming down through stairs or seeking physical support to risky places like washrooms or while going out. I should take a person-centric approach to implementing the necessary awareness (Chang et al., 2004). My major aim of educational intervention would be to ensure problem-solving behavior and decision-making process in Mrs. Jones (Gillespie et al., 2004).
Implementing Appropriate Exercise program: In consultation with an exercise physiologist and a physiotherapist, I would ensure that the wrist movements of Mrs. Jones return to normal (Nelson, 2007). Moreover, I would seek effective leg exercises and postural adjustments which would provide strength to her legs and reduce the chances of developing deep vein thrombosis (Martinelli et al., 2004).
Reviewing the impact of medication: I should assess the blood pressure and blood sugar levels of Mrs. Jones and routinely monitor them, with respect to the medications consumed. If the physical and cognitive orientation warrants a dosage titration of such medications (Close et al., 1999). I would seek immediate help from the consulting physician (Chang et al., 2004).
Ensuring maintenance of vision: I would seek optometrist help in evaluating the vision challenges of Mrs. Jones due to glaucoma (Close et al., 1999). I would ensure that intraocular pressure of Mrs. Jones is under control and she does not have any errors in refraction (Gillespie et al., 2004).
Ensuring Home safety modifications: Since, Mrs. Jones usually stay on the first floor, I would shift her to the ground floor with her consent to reduce the risk of climbing stairs (Close et al., 1999). Secondly, I would accompany Mrs. Jones to the washroom (with her consent). Further, I would demarcate with visible colors where the risk of falls is high (Gillespie et al., 2004).
Discussion and Conclusion
By implementing the suggested strategies, I hope to reduce the risk of fall in Mrs. Jones. My major aim would be to make Mrs. Jones ambulatory which would increase the quality of her daily activities. I would also further reflect upon practice to reorient care strategies, if needed.
References
Chang JT, Morton SC, & Rubenstein LZ. 2004. Interventions for the prevention of falls in
older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Br
Med Journal, 328: 680-683.
Gillespie LD, Gillespie WJ, Robertson MC, Lamb SE, Cumming RG, & Rowe BH. 2004.
Interventions for preventing falls in elderly people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 4:
CD000340
 Martinelli I, Bucciarelli P, & Mannucci PM. (2010). “Thrombotic risk factors: Basic
pathophysiology”. Crit Care Med, 38 (suppl 2): S3–S9
Nelson M.(2007). Physical activity and public health in older adults: Recommendations from
the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Am J
Sports Med. 39(8):1435-1445.
Close J, Ellis M, Hooper R, Glucksman E, Jackson S, & Swift C. (1999).Prevention of falls
in the elderly trial (PROFET): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet., 353(9147):93-
7.