Abstract

LAVAREDA BAIXINHO, Cristina  and  DIXE, Maria dos Anjos. What are the practices and behaviors of institutionalized seniors to prevent falls?. Index Enferm [online]. 2017, vol.26, n.4, pp.255-259. ISSN 1699-5988.

Objectives: This correlational study aimed to describe the practices and behaviors of the elderly in preventing falls; identify communication practices for prevention of falls; and the association of practices and behaviors to prevent falls with age, sex, time of institutionalization, dependence degree and use of a walking aid. Methods: The sample consisted of 156 elderly, men and women from six nursing homes, who authorized the study. The instrument used was the Scale of Practices and Behaviors of Institutionalized Elderly to Prevent Falls (α = 0,881). Results: The results show that elderly poorly persevere in the choice of preventive measures and practices and the most valued practices are the choice of closed shoes with slip-resistant sole. Men value most safety practices and behaviors (p=0,045) than women. The most dependent elderly have worse practices and prevention behaviors. Elderly people who use walking aids have better communication practices (p=0,019) and best practices and behaviors related to the accessibility to physical space (p=0,012). Conclusions: Future studies should associate the prevalence of falls with the practices and behaviors of the elderly.

Keywords : Accidental Falls; Elderly; Nursing Homes; Security; Assessment.