Mm week 5 ppt
Implementing a Nurse-Led Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Program to Reduce Falls Among Older Adults in an Adult Day Care Setting
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Problem Description
Falls among older adults remain a leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence worldwide. In adult day care settings, where older adults often present with multiple comorbidities, mobility limitations, and cognitive impairment, fall risk is particularly high. Despite this risk, fall prevention strategies are frequently inconsistently implemented or rely heavily on reactive rather than proactive approaches (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). This project addresses the problem of inadequate and inconsistent fall risk assessment and prevention practices in adult day care settings, which contribute to preventable injuries, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization among older adults.
Big Picture Context
Globally, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among adults aged 65 and older (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). In the United States, approximately one in four older adults falls each year, with many resulting in fractures, head injuries, or functional decline (CDC, 2023). Adult day care centers serve vulnerable older adults and represent a critical opportunity for structured fall prevention interventions, yet many lack standardized nurse-led protocols (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 2022).
Significance of the Problem
Falls contribute to increased emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and long-term care placement, significantly impacting healthcare costs and patient quality of life (CDC, 2023). Evidence demonstrates that nurse-led fall prevention programs significantly reduce fall rates and improve safety outcomes (AHRQ, 2022). Addressing this gap supports patient safety, cost containment, and functional independence.
Where the Problem Lives
This problem exists within adult day care settings, which often operate with limited clinical oversight and inconsistent application of evidence-based fall prevention strategies. These community-based environments support older adults with physical and cognitive limitations, making fall prevention essential to maintaining safety and quality of life.
Problem Statement
Older adults attending adult day care centers experience preventable falls due to inconsistent fall risk assessment practices and limited implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies. This gap in care contributes to increased injury rates, reduced functional independence, and higher healthcare utilization. Implementing a nurse-led fall risk assessment and prevention program in adult day care settings is necessary to improve patient safety, enhance quality of life, and reduce fall-related adverse outcomes among older adults.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2022). Preventing falls in hospitals and long-term care.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Older adult falls.
National Institute on Aging. (2022). Falls and fractures in older adults.
World Health Organization. (2021). Falls fact sheet.
