Abstract

Background: The older adults living in old-age homes are increasing. Falls among older people are a major public health concern. Screening for risk status of falls among the elderly is crucial in preventing many problems among them.Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the risk status of falls among elderly population residing in old-age homes in field practice area of a tertiary care hospital, Bengaluru.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the selected old-age homes. Data were collected by interview method using fall risk assessment tool part 1. Fall risk component was assessed and interpreted by scoring under low, medium, and high risk for falls. The elderly were also interviewed for a history of other comorbidities. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Among the total 220 elderly population, 5% had high risk for falls and 24.5% had medium risk for falls. Among 127 (57.7%) who had comorbidities, 9 (81.9%) of them have high risk for falls and the association is highly significant.Conclusion: Falls are more common among females. Risk for falls was high among elderly population with comorbidity.