502 Prevention of accidental falls among older people in Finland – National IkinÄ-program

Abstract

BackgroundIn Finland, more than 900 older people 65+ died due the fall in 2012. In addition, a fall was contributing factor of death of 770 persons 70 years and older. In 2012, costs of hospital inpatient care due to falls were close to EUR 400 million (THL injury database 2014).Description of the problemFalls prevention has become extremely timely along with Finnish ageing policy prioritising older people living at their own home as long as possible. Despite vast quantity of evidence about falls prevention, the actions to put them in practice have not been as systematic and widespread as possible. Falls prevention needs to be an integral part of care and services for older people at all levels of care and among all service providers.ResultsNational program, called IKINÄ, was launched in 2006 to enhance dissemination and implementation of sustainable falls prevention in Finland. Aim of the program is to provide knowledge and stress the importance of falls prevention to policy-makers and other executive authorities in national level as well as municipalities. To enhance implementation of falls prevention IKINÄ-program produces evidence-based tools and materials for professionals and organisations working with older people.During past ten years awareness of falls, their consequences and need for falls prevention have increased among professionals, both at executive level and those working in clinical practice, in the field of older people care and services in Finland. For example, several social and health care organisations have set the reduction of falls and fall injuries as their strategic goals. Thus, implementation of evidence-based falls prevention has become more systematic.ConclusionsFalls prevention requires to be continuous work and a joint effort of professionals working at all levels of care system of older people services. Sufficient resources should be allocated for falls prevention to ensure safe living at home for older people.

Preventing Falls in the Elderly: More Years of Quality Life

“…Those with a history of hip fracture are at high risk of developing a second fracture. One in four or five patients will develop a new hip fracture in less than five years after the previous fracture [6] .…”

“…While scoring the risks, an individualized plan is drawn to reduce the risk of falls. The best thing would be if the same measure is used, so that the risk data can be used in another care unit [6] .…”

“…Balance exercises may influence their fear of falling, thereby negatively affecting their willingness to go out. A particularly effective form of exercise is Taiji, as it reduces falls in elderly people by up to 35% [6] .…”

“…Taking the necessary medications will reduce the risk of falls. Hence, it is important for caregivers and relatives to ensure that the right medications are taken at the right time [6] .…”

“…Older people tend to drink diuretic stimulants, such as coffee and tea, which would worsen incontinence and increase elimination of fluid from the body. This can cause a drop in blood pressure and dizziness, thus increasing the risk of falls [6] .…”