This research study explored the effectiveness of group versus home education in teaching fall prevention to community-dwelling elderly. Twelve elderly volunteered to participate. Group 1 received an inservice instructing them in prevention strategies. Group 2 received individual home visits for the same purpose. All subjects received follow-up home visits to assess modifications and fall occurrence. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups at follow-up or within Group 2 initially or at follow-up. Further research is needed to explore more effective teaching strategies to emphasize the importance of prevention and affect modification of the home environment.
1. Baker A.Falls in the elderly. Clin Geriatr Med.1985;1:501–512.
2.
2. Health Statistics on Older Persons. Washington, DC: National Center for Health Statistics; 1987. Department of Health and Human Services Publication 87–1409.
3.
3. Gryfe CI, Amies A, Ashley M.A longitudinal study of falls in an elderly population. I. Incidence and morbidity. Age Ageing.1977;6:201–210.
4.
4. van Weel C, Vermeulen H, van den Bosch W.Falls, a community care perspective. Lancet.1995;345:1549–1551.
5.
5. Tinetti ME, Speechley M, Ginter SF.Risk factors for falls among elderly persons living in the community. N Engl J Med.1988;319:1701–1707.
6.
6. Perry BC.Falls among the elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc.1982;30:367–371.
7.
7. Tideiksaar R, Kay AD.What causes falls? A logical diagnostic procedure. Geriatrics.1986;41:32–50.
8.
8. Tinetti ME, Speechley M.Prevention of falls among the elderly. N Engl J Med.1989;320:1055–1059.
9.
9. Overstall PW.Falls in the elderly—epidemiology, aetiology and management. In: Isaacs B, ed. Recent Advances in Geriatric Medicine. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1978:61.
10.
10. Granek E, Barker SP, Abbey H, et al. Medications and diagnoses in relation to falls in a long-term care facility. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1987;35:503–511.
11.
11. Tinetti ME, Williams F, Mayewski R.Fall risk index for elderly patients based on number of chronic disabilities. Am J Med.1986;80:429–434.
12.
12. Nickens H.The psychiatric consultant's approach to elderly falls. Hosp Community Psychiatry.1984;35:1190–1191.
13.
13. Lach HW, Reed AT, Arfken CL, et al. Falls in the elderly: a community study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1991;39:197–202.
14.
14. Lilley JM, Arie T, Chilvers CED.Special review: accidents involving older people: a review of the literature. Age Ageing.1995;24:346–365.
15.
15. Tideiksaar R.Preventing falls: how to identify risk factors, reduce complications. Geriatrics.1996;51(2):43–53.
16.
16. Scanameo AM, Fillit H.House calls: a practical guide to seeing the patient at home. Geriatrics.1995;50(3):33–39.
17.
17. Urton MM.A community home inspection approach to preventing falls among the elderly. Public Health Rep.1991;106:192–195.
18.
18. Zebley JW III.Geriatric follow-up: what only a home visit can tell you. Geriatrics.1986;41(3):100–104.
19.
19. Tideiksaar R.Environmental adaptation to preserve balance and prevent falls. Top Geriatr Rehab.1990;5(2):78–84.
20.
20. Judge J, Whipple R, Wolfson L.Effects of resistive and balance exercises on isokinetic strength in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc.1994;42:937–946.
21.
21. Schlapman N.Elderly women and falls in the home. Home Health Care Nurse. 1990; 8(4):20–24.
22.
22. Injury in America. Washington, DC: Committee on Trauma Research, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council, and the Institute on Medicine; 1985. National Academy Press.
23.
23. Statistical Abstract of the United States. Washington, DC: Bureau of Census; 1985. US Department of Census.
24.
24. Friedrich M, Cermak T, Maderbacher P.The effect of brochure use versus therapist teaching on patients performing therapeutic exercise and on changes in impairment status. Phys Ther.1996;76(10):1082–1088.
