Preventing Injuries Inflicted on Elderly Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

Earlier findings concerning the problem of injuries to institutionalized, elderly inpatients are presented followed by new data characterizing injured patients and the conditions under which injuries occur. Contrary to popular belief, elderly inpatients are underrepresented in frequency of injury relative to their numbers in mental hospitals, and injuries attributable to others tend to be inflicted by younger patients. However, this is true not only for injuries to elderly patients but also for injuries to younger patients and those with varying lengths of stay. In addition, injuries tend to be inflicted by patients who repeatedly assault, a situation emphasizing the need for increased nursing care management of specific members of the ward community. Evidence provided here suggests that the ward population may be a more potent determinant of injury rates among the elderly than the presence or absence of younger, more active patients. Recommendations for changes in ward management are aimed at reducing the frequency of injuries to elderly inpatients by other patients.