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Article
Fall Prevention Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Community Stakeholders and Older Adults
Journal of Aging Research
  • Sharon S. Laing, University of Washington Tacoma
  • Ilene F. Silver
  • Sally York
  • Elizabeth A. Phelan
Publication Date
9-7-2011
Document Type
Article
Abstract

We assessed knowledge, attitude, and provision of recommended fall prevention (FP) practices by employees of senior-serving organization and participation in FP practices by at-risk elders. The Washington State Department of Health administered structured telephone surveys to 50 employees and 101 elders in Washington State. Only 38% of employees felt 'very knowledgeable' about FP, and a majority of their organizations did not regularly offer FP services. Almost half (48%) of seniors sustained a fall within the past 12 months; however, one-third perceived falling to be among their least important health concerns, and most had minimal working knowledge of proven FP practices. Seniors who perceived avoiding falls as important to their well-being were more likely to participate in practices about which they had the least knowledge (risk assessment, medication management). Increased awareness and availability of FP services might help engage older adults in FP practices and reduce the adverse effects of falls.

DOI
10.4061/2011/395357
Publisher Policy
open access
Source fulltext URL
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/2011/395357/
Citation Information
Sharon S. Laing, Ilene F. Silver, Sally York and Elizabeth A. Phelan. "Fall Prevention Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Community Stakeholders and Older Adults" Journal of Aging Research Vol. 2011 (2011) p. e395357
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sharon-laing/6/