Falls and Fear of Falling among Persons Who Receive Housing Adaptations—Results from a Quasi-Experimental Study in Sweden

Abstract

While health might deteriorate through the ageing and disablement process, the impacts of disability can be reduced by adapting the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of applying a standardized research-based strategy to housing adaptation as compared to ordinary practice with respect to falls and fear of falling. Another aim was to investigate the overall effects of housing adaptations on fall-related outcomes over time. In total, 196 clients were included at baseline, with follow-up at 3 and 6 months after the housing adaptation was implemented. The only significant difference between the two approaches was identified with respect to fear of falling at 3 months after the housing adaptation, but not after 6 months. The number of clients reporting actual falls increased over time in both sites, whereas the number of reported near-falls decreased most in the intervention site, but without significant differences. Thus, the patterns of differences between the sites are inconsistent, as are the patterns of change in fall-related outcomes. An overall conclusion is that if the goal is to improve fall-related outcomes, housing adaptation should be complemented with other interventions preventing falls and explicitly address the clients’ activity limitations. In addition, longer follow-up times are necessary.

Effects of the Application of a Program of Adapted Utilitarian Judo (JUA) on the Fear of Falling Syndrome (FOF) for the Health Sustainability of the Elderly Population

“…In short, the review of the specialized literature shows that the main lines of action focus on fall prevention [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], while recognizing that older adults will always be susceptible to falling. As a result, we have conducted a program of Adapted Utilitarian Judo, which is a significant comprehensive physical activity which leads participants to improve their physical condition, increasing balance capacity, functional gait, coordination and memory; introducing elements of generational and intergenerational socialization, all resulting in the increase of self-esteem, security, personal autonomy and therefore quality of life of the participants [ 23 ] (p. 194).…”

An Economic Evaluation Framework for Government-Funded Home Adaptation Schemes: A Quantitative Approach

“…It is found that many incidents of the old, such as falls (Kendrick et al, 2014) [ 4 ] and stroke (Guimarães et al, 2020; Xu et al, 2018) [ 5 , 6 ], occur due to a mismatch between personal abilities and the home environment, resulting from the activities of living daily with a disability (Wahl et al, 2009) [ 7 ]. It has been a significant policy intention for the last two decades to deliver nursing and healthcare services at home via housing adaptations (Carlsson et al, 2017; Ewart and Harty, 2015; Kutty, 2010) [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], given the substantial health benefits and efficiency improvements of remaining at home (Evans, 2019; Lee and Edmonston, 2019; Petersson et al, 2008; Uppal, 2007; Pynoos and Nishita, 2003; Lilja et al, 2003) [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“Nomen Omen”: Exploring Connected Healthcare through the Perspective of Name Omen

“…Thirdly, increasing provider shortages and relevant issues, such as the geographic dispersion of families and troubling ethnic disparities in care, are significant concerns [10]. Finally, the latest source of pressure in healthcare is the demand for a better service by customers [11,12]. The development of consumerism in healthcare may be a catalyst for patient-centric healthcare [13].…”