Because risk factors for the nonambulatory resident differ from those of the mobile resident, prevention strategies need to be reevaluated for this group. The authors suggest increasing the safety of mobility for nonambulatory residents. This could include improved fitting, use, and maintenance of equipment and more training in transfer techniques for both care providers and residents. Almost three fourths of these report another fall within six months. Falls lead to physical injury including the most serious injury, hip fracture.
Falls can lead to a fear of falling which decreases mobility and independence.
Some of the risk factors associated with falls include visual impairment, postural hypotension, muscle weakening, diuretic use, and osteoporosis. Physicians and other providers should ascertain the risk factors for falls in older persons. It is necessary to evaluate mobility. Reducing falls and injuries can involve medical intervention, rehabilitation, changes to the environment, psychosocial intervention, and follow-up assessments.