Factors affecting the risk of falls in people over 60 years old living in a long-term care social institution

Introduction. The incidence of falls in people living in social institutions of long-term care and undergoing medical and social rehabilitation in a hospital setting significantly exceeds that in comparison with people living at home. The identification of factors that increase the risks of falls and the inclusion of measures for their timely correction in the individual rehabilitation program for older people in long-term care social institutions is an important aspect of geriatric care.

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of the risk of falls and factors affecting the risk of falls in people over 60 years old living in a long-term care social institution.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the boarding house for the elderly and disabled № 1 (St. Petersburg). 153 people aged 60–99 years were examined. The average age was 80±0,79 years. An assessment of the risk of falls (Morse scale), geriatric status, as well as the fear of falls on the scales of assessment of the fear of falls and the falls efficacy scale was carried out.

Results. Among the indicators characterizing the domain of physical functioning, a statistically significant relationship between the high risk of falls and the level of basic functional activity was noted. The risks of falls did not depend on the presence/absence of frailty. There is a statistically significant relationship between the domain of mental functioning and the risks of falls. Fear of falling was present in more than half of the subjects and was associated with a higher risk of depression.

Conclusion. The main parameters associated with a high risk of falls in people in a long-term care facility were the level of basic functional activity, cognitive impairment according to the MMSE scale, and the presence of fear of falls. The fear of falls is an important factor influencing the psycho-emotional, cognitive and functional status of older age groups in long-term social institutions. These parameters must be taken into account in a comprehensive assessment of the patient′s condition for the personalized development of rehabilitation programs. 

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