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The environment and falls prevention: Do environmental modifications make a difference? |
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| Authors: | Tamara Tse |
| Institution: | Northern Area Health Board, Community Care Area 7, Occupational Therapy Department, Dublin 1, Ireland |
| Abstract: | Background and Aims: Environmental modification is a strategy widely recommended in many falls prevention programs. However the effectiveness of such a strategy has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate published research related to falls prevention and environmental modification for older people. Method: A review of research conducted between 1993 and 2004 was undertaken. Ageline, Cinahl and OvidMedline databases were searched using falls prevention, home modifications, environmental modifications and occupational therapy as key words. Results: Eighteen articles were found relating to community and institutional dwellings and the relevance of environmental modifications. Conclusion: There is some evidence to support the use of environmental modification as a strategy in falls prevention for older people particularly in association with multidisciplinary/multifactorial programs targeted to those people with a history of falls. |
| Keywords: | ageing environmental modification fall prevention home modification occupational therapy |