Environmental and Behavioral Circumstances and Consequences of Falls in a Senior Living Development

ABSTRACT

This article investigated the role of environmental and behavioral factors surrounding fall incidents in a senior living community. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research included both a retrospective analysis of fall reports and resident interviews. The quantitative analysis showed falls in the bedroom and bathroom were more likely to happen between 12 am and 8 am. Falls in the bathroom were more likely to result in severe injuries compared to falls in other rooms. The qualitative analysis identified three types of fall-related activity (transfer, ambulation, standing) and five behavioral factors surrounding fall incidents (transferring, slipping, misjudged behavior, tripping, health issue).

KEYWORDS:

• Falling
• circumstances
• consequences
• older people
• injury

Notes

¹ Registered nurse recorded three types of injury: (a) no injury: reported injury but did not seek any treatment; (b) minor injury: sought medical care from staff member; and (c) hospitalization: sought medical care from hospital.