Falls in elderly: identification of extrinsic risk factors at home

Abstract

Objective: To identify extrinsic risk factors those predispose the occurrence of falls in the elderly at home. Method: A total of 95 homes about the presence of risk factors, using a structured interview. Results: From 95 of the residences valued only 7,4% (7) had no mismatches according to the items assessed. it was observed that mismatches involving carpets and buffers were the most prevalent, together accounting for approximately 40% of the problems identified in the search. other relevant problems were related to the lack of grab bars in places that required its use, switches arranged in hard to reach places and away from the entrance of the rooms in the home, floors with changes in its topography, poor illuminated environments and furniture obstructing the passage of the elderly. Conclusion: The risk factors for falls were present in most homes, and most of these are preventable factors.