Thinking falls-taking action: a falls prevention tool for care homes

Abstract

Falls in older people resident within care home settings are common and serious, often resulting in injury and mortality. Yet there is no standardised approach within UK care homes to assessing the risk of falls for individuals or identifying risk factors relevant for that person. The Guide to Action for Falls Prevention Tool - Care Homes (GtACH) was developed with local care homes in Nottinghamshire. Ten care homes were selected to participate in the study, four withdrawing before data collection commenced. Fourteen care home staff across six care homes tested the tool for usability and found it quick (20 minutes) and easy to use, yet only 53% of the recommended interventions highlighted were completed. The GtACH needs further evaluation to test whether its use prompts actions which reduce the number of falls, and the barriers to these actions being taken.