Retrospective Analysis of Circumstances of Falls and Related Injuries across Levels of Care in Older Adult Retirement Home Facilities.

Towards developing more effective interventions for fall-related injuries, this study analysed a novel database from six retirement home facilities over a 4-year period comprising 1,877 fallers and 12,445 falls. Falls were characterized based on location, activity, injury site, and type, and the database was stratified across four levels of care: Independent Living, Retirement Care, Assisted Care, and Memory care. Falls most occurred within the bedroom (62.8%), and during unknown (38.1%), walking (20.2%), and transfer tasks (14.6%). Approximately one in three (37%) of all falls resulted in an injury, most commonly involving the upper limb (31.8%), head (26.3%), and lower limb (22.2%), resulting in skin tears (35.3%), aches/pains (29.1%), or bruises (28.0%). While fall location, activity, and injury site were different across levels of care, injury type was not. The data from this study can assist in targeting fall-related injury prevention strategies across levels of care within retirement facilities.

[Restraint in geriatrics: France's backwardness]. / Contention en gériatrie : le retard de la France.

In the absence of legal provisions, passive physical restraint methods in geriatrics were defined at the start of this century, accompanied by recommendations relating to their use. Despite the frequency of these measures of restraint, there are few French publications on this subject. It seems that this practice varies according to the geriatric establishments and prevails in hospital more than in nursing home. The most widespread method is the dual barrier on the bed, as well as in hospital than in nursing home. To this should be added restraint provided by the premises themselves, intended to secure access to a facility, found in 90% of residences for the dependent elderly, and also medication. Passive physical restraint, mainly implemented to prevent falls, has however clearly shown its deleterious effects, particularly in the USA where it is thought to be responsible for 1/1000 deaths in nursing homes, although when it is absent there appears to be no increased risk of falls. Medication-based restraint is more readily used to sedate in case of disruptive behaviors (agitation, aggressiveness) although no clear data is available to date. Restraint provided by the premises themselves, used preventively in case of wandering and straying, is nevertheless a deprivation of freedom, and seems to concern the majority of geriatric facilities today. In the absence of legislation to regulate these practices, the present authors discuss the need for ethical reflection before the implementation of measures of restraint, whatever their nature, and they propose certain ideas on possible methods for passive physical restraint: raising awareness among caregivers and family members who often call for these measures, the existence of alternative measures, and the delaying of implementation as long as possible and/or sequentially.

Developing the Patient Falls Risk Report: A Mixed-Methods Study on Sharing Falls-Related Clinical Information from Home Care with Primary Care Providers.

If interRAI home care information were shared with primary care providers, care provision and integration could be enhanced. The objective of this study was to co-develop an interRAI-based clinical information sharing tool (i.e., the Patient Falls Risk Report) with a sample of primary care providers. This mixed-methods study employed semi-structured interviews to inform the development of the Patient Falls Risk Report and online surveys based on the System Usability Scale instrument to test its usability. Most of the interview sample (n = 9) believed that the report could support patient care by sharing relevant and actionable falls-related information. However, criticisms were identified, including insufficient detail, clarity, and support for shared care planning. After incorporating suggestions for improvement, the survey sample (n = 27) determined that the report had excellent usability with an overall usability score of 83.4 (95% CI = 78.7-88.2). By prioritizing the needs of end-users, sustainable interRAI interventions can be developed to support primary care.

[Evidence of Physical Training Programs for Fall Prevention in Seniors]. / Evidenz körperlicher Trainings-programme zur Sturzprävention bei älteren Menschen.

Evidence of Physical Training Programs for Fall Prevention in Seniors Abstract. It has been shown that physical exercise reduced fall risk by 23-42% in community-dwelling adults aged 65+. This is particularly true for physical exercises with functional, balance and strength components. Growing evidence shows that functional training is particularly effective in reducing fall risk. Functional training is composed by exercises which reflect activities of daily life, supported by weights and other aids.

Airborne concentrations of chrysotile asbestos during operation of industrial crane controls and maintenance of associated arc chutes.

Some industrial crane control panels were historically equipped with chrysotile-containing arc chutes. Because of the paucity of data regarding potential exposure from such equipment, we used a simulation approach to quantify the release of chrysotile from arc chutes in two functional 1970s-era industrial crane control panels during operation and maintenance. Two experienced operators separately simulated operation of crane controls under load; one of these operators then simulated two arc chute maintenance protocols: sanding (protocol 1) and scraping, sanding, and blowing (protocol 2). The original arc chutes contained approximately 36% chrysotile. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) (n = 8) and area samples (n = 8) were collected and analyzed using phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy. PCM-equivalent (PCME) concentrations were derived, from which 8-h time-weighted averages (TWA) were calculated. During operation, chrysotile was identified in one of the four PBZ samples, equivalent to a PCME concentration of 0.012 f/cm3 (8-h TWA: 0.011 f/cm3). During protocols 1 and 2, chrysotile was identified in all PBZ samples (n = 4); PCME concentrations (and corresponding 8-h TWA) were <0.013 and 0.021 f/cm3 (0.001 and 0.004 f/cm3) and 0.013 and 0.017 f/cm3 (0.003 f/cm3), respectively. Many of the airborne chrysotile fibers had matrix attached, supporting the low exposure potential during this work. These data indicate very low, if any, exposures to chrysotile asbestos during the simulated scenarios. In addition, these data could assist with refining assumptions in exposure reconstruction and inform the state-of-the science on low-level chrysotile exposure.

Scoping Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Fall Risk Screening and Assessment in Older Adults across the Care Continuum.

Given the rising numbers of older adults in Canada experiencing falls, evidence-based identification of fall risks and plans for prevention across the continuum of care is a significant priority for health care providers. A scoping review was conducted to synthesize published international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations for fall risk screening and assessment in older adults (defined as 65 years of age and older). Of the 22 CPGs, 6 pertained to multiple settings, 9 pertained to community-dwelling older adults only, 2 each pertained to acute care and long-term care settings only, and 3 did not specify setting. Two criteria, prior fall history and gait and balance abnormalities, were applied either independently or sequentially in 19 CPG fall risk screening algorithms. Fall risk assessment components were more varied across CPGs but commonly included: detailed fall history; detailed evaluation of gait, balance, and/or mobility; medication review; vision; and environmental hazards assessment. Despite these similarities, more work is needed to streamline assessment approaches for heterogeneous and complex older adult populations across the care continuum. Support is also needed for sustainable implementation of CPGs in order to improve health outcomes.

Building Nutrition into a Falls Risk Screening Program for Older Adults in Family Health Teams in North Eastern Ontario.

Approximately 30 per cent of those over the age of 65 living in the community fall at least once each year, and a similar proportion are at nutrition risk. Screening is an important component of prevention. The objective of this study was to understand how to add nutrition risk screening to a falls risk screening program in family health teams (FHTs). Interview participants (n = 31) were staff/management, regional representatives, and clients from six FHTs that had started integrating screening. Thematic analysis was conducted. Themes identified how to develop screening programs: setting up for successful screening, making it work, and following up with risk. An overarching theme recognized "it's about building relationships". Adding nutrition risk to a falls risk screening program takes effort, and is different for each FHT based on their work flow and client population. Determining how to integrate screening into the work flow and planning to address identified risk are necessary components.

Balance and functional training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews.

This overview of systematic reviews examined the effect of balance and functional strength training on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, to inform the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews published between January 2009 and May 2019. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community-dwelling adults), intervention (balance and functional training), comparator (no intervention or different types/doses), and outcomes (critical: falls and fall-related injuries; adverse events; important: physical functioning and disability; health-related quality of life; physical activity; and sedentary behaviour). Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and performed AMSTAR 2 assessment. One review was selected per outcome. Of 3288 records and 355 full-text articles, 5 systematic reviews were included, encompassing data from 15 890 participants in 23 countries. In adults 65 years and older, balance and functional training and Tai Chi reduced the rate of falls and the number of people who fell, and improved aspects of physical functioning and physical activity. The effect on health-related quality of life and falls requiring hospitalization was uncertain. While inconsistently monitored, only 1 serious adverse event was reported. No evidence was available in adults under age 65 years. Included systematic reviews and primary evidence reported by review authors ranged in quality. Overall, participation in balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019134865. Novelty This overview informs updated guidelines for balance training in adults. Balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes.

Examining the Feasibility of a Mindfulness Intervention for the Prevention of Falls: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study was designed to assess the feasibility of implementing a mindfulness intervention in the prevention of falls. We employed a quasi-experimental design consisting of 22 participants from two retirement homes in Ontario partaking in the regional falls prevention class. Participants were assigned to either an eight-week intervention, comprising mindfulness exercises incorporated into the standard falls prevention class, or to the standard falls prevention class. Participants were assessed using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Scale and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The mindfulness intervention showed no significant effect on TUG or balance scores; however, there was a significant effect on assessments of gait. Given the ease of implementation of mindfulness-based interventions, further research may be warranted in mindfulness as a potential modality for falls prevention.

Valoración de la dependencia funcional en adultos mayores asociado a riesgo de caídas en el hogar / Assessment of functional dependence in elderly associated with risk of falls at home / Estimation de la dépendance fonctionnel en adultes âgés associé au risque des chutes au foyer / Avaliação da dependência funcional em idosos associada ao risco de quedas em casa

Resumen Objetivo Valorar el estado funcional y de salud en el adulto mayor, y determinar causas y factores asociados a caídas en el hogar. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en 13 comunidades de Tlaxcala, con una muestra de 364 adultos mayores de 65 años de edad. Se determinó el grado de funcionalidad y salud, y factores de riesgo de caídas en el hogar. La información se analizó en el paquete estadístico SPSS v21. Resultados El 55.5% de los sujetos son mujeres, el 44.4% amas de casa, el rango de edad predominante fue de 65 a 69 años, 67.3% habitan en área urbana, 47.5% tienen seguro popular, y 55.2% viven en pareja. El 57.7% es independiente para realizar las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. 174 (47.8%) tuvieron alguna caída en los últimos seis meses, con mayor frecuencia dentro de hogar (75%), patio (23%), recámara (15.75), y el baño (12%). El 83% tienen poco riesgo de sufrir una caída, 15.1% mediano riesgo, y 2% alto riesgo. Las mujeres (63.2%), principalmente con sobrepeso (42%), y las que viven en pareja (50.6%) sufren más caídas. Los principales factores de riesgo son el uso de alfombras que no están fijas, falta de tapete anti-derrapante en el baño, escaleras que carecen de luz o pasamanos, sillas en mal estado, y dificultad para alcanzar objetos altos; los que consumen medicamentos (68.4%), por alguna enfermedad (60.9%), o tienen alguna dependencia funcional (57.5%) tienen mayor propensión a las caídas. El 60% de los sujetos menciona que tienen miedo de caer nuevamente. Conclusión Concientizar al adulto mayor y familiares y modificar su ambiente doméstico para minimizar los peligros, promover la salud, prevenir enfermedades e incapacidades del adulto mayor con el objetivo de disminuir los riesgos de sufrir accidentes y caídas.

Abstract Objective To determine sociodemographic conditions and functionality in elderly, and its relationship to the risk of falling at home. Material and methods This is a descriptive and transversal study carried out in 13 communities in the State of Tlaxcala, with a sample size of 364 older than 65 years-old elderly. A four section validated questionnaire was applied to determine health and functional status, and to know and determine their fall- risk factors in the home setting. Data were analyzed using the statistic program SPSS v21. Results The 55.5% of the elderly are women, 44.4% are housewives, most of the subjects have an age between 65 to 69 years old, 67.3% live in an urban area, 47.5% have the popular social security service, 55.2% have a couple. The 57.7% are able to do daily basic activities independently. 174 (47.8%) of the subjects suffered a fall in the last six months, the most frequent places were inside home (75%), patio (23%), bedroom (15.75%), and the bathroom (12%). An 83% have low risk to suffering a fall inside home, 15.1% medium risk, and 2% high risk. Women (63.2%), mainly with overweight (42%), and those living with a couple (50.6%) have more tendency to falling down. The main risk factors for falling are carpets not fixed to the floor, a lack of bath mat in the bathrooms, no switch, no banister or light in the stairs, chairs in bad condition, objects out of hand; those who use drugs (68.4%), for being sick (60.9%), or with a functional dependence (57.5%) have higher risk for falling. The 60% of the adults are afraid of falling again. Conclusions Both the elderly and their relatives have to be aware of the danger inside home, therefore the importance of increase health promotion to prevent diseases and disabilities due to accidents and fallings.

Résumé Objectif Estimer l´état fonctionnel et de la santé dans l´adultes âgés et déterminer causes et facteurs associés aux chutes au foyer. Matériaux et méthodes Étude descriptif et transversal, réalisait en 13 communautés de l´état de Tlaxcala, avec une signe de 364 adultes majeurs de 65 ans d´âge. S´appliqué un questionnaire pour déterminer le degré de fonctionnalité et santé, et connaitre les facteurs de risque au foyer. L´information s´analysait au paquet statistique SPSS v21. Résultats 55.5% de les sujets sont femmes, 44.4% sont maitresses de maison, le rang d´âge prédominant était de 65 à 69 ans, 67.3% habitent dans un aire urban, 47.5% racontent avec assurance populaire, et 55.2% habitent ensemble. 57.7% est indépendant pour réaliser activites basiques de la vie quotidienne. 174 (47.8%) avaient quelque chute dans les derniers six mois, fréquemment dans la maison (75%), dans le cour (23%), dans la chambre (15.75), et dans la salle de bain (12%). 83% a un peu de risque de souffrir chutes, 15.1% moyenne risque, et 2% haut risque. Les femmes (63.2%), principalement en surpoids, et ces qui habitent avec un couple (50.6%) soufrent plus chutes. Les principaux facteurs de risque sont l´usage de tapis que ne sont pas fixe, faute de tapis anti dérapé dans la salle de bain, escaliers qui manquent de lumière de mains courant, chaises dans un mauvais état, et difficulté pour acquérir des objects hauts, qui consomment des médicaments (68.4%), à cause d´une maladie (60.9%), ont quelque dépendance fonctionnelle (57.5%), ou ont majeur propension pour les chutes. 60% de adultes âgés mentionne quónt peur de retomber. Conclusion C´est nécessaire conscientiser à adultes âgés et à sa famille de modifier sa ambiance domestique pour minimiser les dangers, promouvoir la santé, prévoir maladies et incapacités de l´adulte avec l´objectif de diminuer risques de souffrir accidents et chutes.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o estado funcional e de saúde dos idosos e determinar causas e fatores associados a quedas em casa´. Material e métodos Estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado em 13 comunidades do Estado de Tlaxcala, com uma amostra de 364 adultos acima de 65 anos. Um questionário foi aplicado para determinar o grau de funcionalidade e saúde e para conhecer os fatores de risco de quedas em casa. As informações foram analisadas no pacote estatístico SPSS v21. Resultados O 55,5% dos sujeitos são mulheres, 44,4% donas de casa, a faixa etária predominante foi de 65 a 69 anos, 67,3% moram em áreas urbanas, 47,5% possuem sistema único de saúde e 55,2% vivem como um casal. O 57,7% são independentes para realizar as atividades básicas da vida cotidiana. 174 (47,8%) tiveram alguma queda nos últimos seis meses, na maioria das vezes dentro de casa (75%), quintal (23%), quarto (15,75) e banheiro (12%). O 83% têm pouco risco de cair, 15,1% risco médio e 2% risco alto. As mulheres (63,2%), principalmente com sobrepeso (42%) e as que vivem em casal (50,6%) sofrem mais quedas. Os principais fatores de risco são o uso de tapetes não fixos, falta de tapete antiderrapante no banheiro, escadas sem luz ou corrimão, cadeiras em mau estado e dificuldade em alcançar objetos altos; Aqueles que consomem medicamentos (68,4%), para algumas doenças (60,9%), ou possuem alguma dependência funcional (57,5%), têm maior propensão a quedas. 60% dos idosos mencionaram que têm medo de cair novamente. Conclusão É necessário sensibilizar aos idosos e suas famílias para modificar o ambiente doméstico, a fim de minimizar os perigos, promover a saúde, prevenir doenças e incapacidades do idoso, a fim de reduzir os riscos de acidentes e quedas.

Evaluation of the Predictive Accuracy of the interRAI Falls Clinical Assessment Protocol, Scott Fall Risk Screen, and a Supplementary Falls Risk Assessment Tool Used in Residential Long-Term Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Falls in residential long-term care (LTC) facilities continue to be a leading cause of injury for residents and cost for the health care system. Interdisciplinary clinical teams are responsible for assessing risk levels for their residents and developing appropriate care plans and interventions in response. This study compares the predictive accuracy of three separate fall risk assessment tools: the interRAI Falls Clinical Assessment Protocol (CAP), derived from the LTC Facility (LTCF) or Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 assessments; the Scott Fall Risk Screen; and a modified Fall Risk Tool that was implemented as part of a provincial Fall Reduction Strategy in Nova Scotia. To conduct this retrospective cohort study, secondary data were collected from 1,553 LTC residents with interRAI assessments completed between March 1, 2015 and September 29, 2016, across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. For each resident, data were collected regarding the three fall risk assessments, along with fall incident data for use in sensitivity, specificity, and logistic regression analyses. This study found that although all three tools had limitations with sensitivity or specificity thresholds, the interRAI Falls CAP delivered the highest accuracy with a c-statistic of 0.673, compared with the Scott Fall Risk Screen at 0.529 and the modified Fall Risk Tool at 0.609. When diseases that have been established to be a risk factor for falls were added to the model, the overall accuracy of the interRAI Falls CAP combined with those covariates increased to 0.749. These results suggest that the best practice guidelines for fall risk assessment be revisited, and that the interRAI Falls CAP could potentially be updated to include certain diseases and controls for optimal predictive ability.

[The Older the Hiker, the More Severe the Injury - a Retrospective Analysis of Mountain Hiking Accidents in the Swiss Alps from 2009 to 2018]. / Je älter der Bergwanderer, umso schwerer die Verletzung ­ eine retrospektive Analyse der Bergwanderunfälle aus den Schweizer Alpen in den Jahren 2009­2018.

The Older the Hiker, the More Severe the Injury - a Retrospective Analysis of Mountain Hiking Accidents in the Swiss Alps from 2009 to 2018 Abstract. Hiking is a regular activity of the elderly, however, the question of a relationship between age and the severity of a mountaineering accident is still unanswered. A total of 10 185 hikers was analyzed between the years 2009 and 2018. For every mountain accident, the NACA score was available allowing to conduct regression analysis between age and NACA scores. The results show that elderly hikers had higher NACA scores compared to younger ones, implying more severe events in the elderly. The tendency of more severe mountain accidents can be attributed to several reasons. Especially emphasized should be falls that are probably favoured by the age-dependent decrease of postural stability, turning a fall into a downfall, predisposing more severe events.

Characteristics Associated with the Postprandial Hypotensive Response in Falling Older Adults.

Il a été démontré que l'intensité de la réponse hypotensive postprandiale (RHP) peut constituer un facteur de risque pour les chutes, les fractures et le décès. Bien que ce risque ait été bien établi, les cliniques de chutes font rarement des analyses liées aux repas, en raison de contraintes logistiques. Afin de mieux cibler les patients à risque de RHP parmi les personnes âgées affectées par des chutes, cette étude a examiné les caractéristiques individuelles associées à des RHP plus intenses. Cinquante-deux patients (âge moyen : 77,8 ± 0,9 ans, 29 femmes, 23 hommes) référés par des cliniques de prévention des chutes ont été recrutés pour un repas-test de 90 minutes. Les variables significatives ont ensuite été insérées dans un modèle linéaire multivarié incluant l'âge, le sexe, la présence de diabète, la présence d'hypertension, la pression systolique de base (PSB) et la chute de la PSB orthostatique. Bien que de plus amples recherches soient nécessaires, notre étude suggère que les hommes, les patients présentant une tension artérielle élevée et ceux avec une chute orthostatique pourraient être plus à risque de réponses hémodynamiques postprandiales plus intenses.The magnitude of the postprandial hypotensive (PPH) response has been shown to be an independent risk factor for falls, fractures, and death. Despite this well-established risk, meal tests are rarely done in the falls clinic setting because of logistical issues. In order to better target potential PPH patients among older falling adults, this study examines which subject characteristics are associated with larger PPH responses. A total of 52 falls clinic patients (mean age 77.8 ± 0.9 years, 29 women, 23 men) were recruited for a 90 minute meal test. Significant variables were then entered into a stepwise multivariate linear model containing age, sex, presence of diabetes, presence of hypertension, baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the orthostatic drop in SBP. Although further work is required, our study suggests that men, patients with higher blood pressure, and patients with an orthostatic drop might be more likely to have higher postprandial hemodynamic responses.

Measuring the Implementation of Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise in Primary Care for Older Adults: Results of a Feasibility Study.

Notre étude pilote a évalué la faisabilité, l'efficacité et la mise en œuvre du programme d'exercices fonctionnels en groupe intégrés au mode de vie (Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise; Mi-LiFE) créé pour des personnes âgées, dans le cadre d'une pratique interprofessionnelle en soins de première ligne. Un physiothérapeute a enseigné aux participants comment intégrer des exercices de force et d'équilibre dans la routine quotidienne au cours d'une séance individuelle et de quatre séances de groupe, suivis de deux rendez-vous téléphoniques. Les résultats concernant la faisabilité incluaient le recrutement, l'adhésion et la rétention sur une période de six mois. L'activité physique (AP) (accéléromètre, IPAQ), une version courte de la batterie de tests de performance physique (SPPB) et la qualité de vie liée à la santé (EQ5D-3L) ont été évaluées au début de l'intervention et 6 mois plus tard. Des 123 personnes admissibles, 39 % ont participé à l'intervention et 61 % n'étaient pas intéressées ou non joignables. Quarante-huit participants (âge moyen ± ÉT = 81 ± 5 ans ; IMC = 28 ± 5 kg/m2 ; 60 % de femmes ; AP modérée à vigoureuse = 49 ± 87 minutes par semaine) ont pris part à cette étude. Quatre participants se sont retirés avant le début de l'intervention. Trente-deux participants (67 %) étaient présents au suivi. Le taux d'adhésion quotidien documenté dans le journal de bord était de 50 % à 6 mois, et 77 % des participants ont assisté à au moins 4 séances. Aucun changement statistiquement significatif n'a été observé dans les résultats de l'AP modérée à forte et de la SPPB. Cependant, les participants ont déclaré lors du suivi que leur force et leur équilibre dans l'AP se sont améliorés, tout comme leur qualité de vie. Le programme Mi-LiFE présente une bonne faisabilité, avec des taux de recrutement et d'assiduité acceptables. Des modifications pourraient être apportées pour améliorer la rétention et l'adhésion à l'intervention. Ces résultats renseignent sur la faisabilité de programames d'exercices pragmatiques qui pourraient être développés pour être offerts aux personnes âgées se présentant pour des soins de première ligne.Our pilot study evaluated the feasibility, effectiveness, and implementation of a group-based lifestyle-integrated functional exercise (Mi-LiFE) program for older adults in an interprofessional primary care practice. A physical therapist taught participants how to integrate strength and balance activities into daily routines during one individual and four group sessions, and two follow-up phone calls. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, adherence, and retention over 6 months. Physical activity (PA) (accelerometer, International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and health-related quality of life (EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire with 3 Levels [EQ5D-3L]) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Of the 123 eligible individuals, 39 per cent participated and 61 per cent were not interested or unreachable. Forty-eight participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age = 81 ± 5 years; body mass index [BMI] = 28 ± 5 kg/m2; 60% women; moderate-to-vigorous PA = 49 ± 87 minutes/week) enrolled. Four participants withdrew prior to intervention. Thirty-two participants (67%) were retained at follow-up. Daily diary-documented adherence was 50 per cent at 6 months, and 77 per cent attended more than four sessions. No statistically significant changes in moderate-to-vigorous PA and SPPB outcomes were observed; yet self-reported strength and balance PA and quality of life significantly improved at follow-up. The Mi-LiFE program is feasible with acceptable recruitment and attendance rates alongside modifications to address retention and adherence challenges. These findings inform the feasibility of future pragmatic exercise programs in primary care for older adults.

Identifying community-dwelling older adults' vision loss during mobility assessments: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND.: Co-occurring mobility issues and vision loss are prevalent in older adults. Vision loss can cause ambulation difficulties and falls. Community-dwelling older adults frequently require mobility-aids assessment by occupational therapists. However, therapists often lack access to medical documentation on vision or training in vision assessment to ensure that clients have adequate vision for safe mobility-aid use. PURPOSE.: This study aimed to identify screening and assessment approaches to identify functional vision loss to guide mobility-aid prescription. METHOD.: A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley's five stages was undertaken using Medline and CINAHL databases. A data-charting form was used for extraction of information about each article, including the population, vision diagnosis, and the methodology for vision screening. The data regarding vision loss and mobility of older adults were summarized for each article. FINDINGS.: Twenty-three papers were included in the study, describing screening questions and questionnaires or assessment tools to screen for vision loss in community settings. IMPLICATIONS.: The various tools identified can better prepare therapists to prescribe mobility aids appropriate for seniors' level of functional vision and to refer clients for further assessment and intervention if warranted.

Frailty Status and Gait Parameters of Older Women With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Gait decline in individuals with frailty status is associated with comorbidities, falls and reduced mobility, reflecting changes in gait. The prevalence of frailty in individuals with type 2 diabetes is higher compared to individuals without diabetes. However, the consequences of frailty status on gait in older women with diabetes are unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate gait changes in older women with diabetes who are classified as vulnerable, having 1 or more frailty conditions, or robust, having none of the conditions, according to the Fried phenotype. METHODS: Participants included 203 older women: 112 without diabetes and 91 with diabetes. The nondiabetes robust group included 59 older women: nondiabetes, vulnerable, 53; diabetes, robust, 26; and diabetes, vulnerable, 65. Gait parameters were obtained by using the GAITRite system and included velocity, cadence, step length, stance time and double-support time. Multivariate analysis was conducted followed by post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Older women with diabetes and vulnerable status used more drugs and had higher body mass indexes than the groups without diabetes who were vulnerable and robust; there was no difference between the diabetes, robust and diabetes, vulnerable groups. Falls history and fear of falling were similar in all groups. Vulnerable older women with diabetes walked with decreased velocity, cadence and step length and increased stance time compared to all groups and with increased double-support time compared to the nondiabetes robust and nondiabetes vulnerable groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gait decline in vulnerable older women with diabetes is worsened by their frailty status. Our study reinforces the importance of screening older women with diabetes for frailty status.

Fall Prevention Mobile Clinic: A Novel Fall Prevention Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

ABSTRACTCauses of falls in older adults are common, multifactorial, and can lead to significant injury. This before-and-after study evaluated the benefits of a Fall Prevention Mobile Clinic (FPMC) in reducing the risk of falling in older adults in British Columbia, Canada. Four hundred seventy-six participants (average age of 83.6 years) enrolled in the study and were followed for 12 months after attending the FPMC. At 12-month follow-up, the mean percentage uptake of fall prevention recommendations was 48.8 per cent (SD = 25.7%), the Timed Up and Go mobility measure improved from a median of 19.04 seconds to 17.45 seconds and the number of participants falling decreased from 64.8 per cent (in the 12 months before attending the clinic) to 55.6 per cent (in the 12 months after attending the clinic) (p = .012). After attending the FPMC, participants acted on recommendations, improved mobility and decreased their risk of future falls.

Évaluation de Marche vers le futur, un programme novateur de prévention des chutes offert par videoconference.

ABSTRACTSeveral fall prevention programs have been implemented to reduce falls among seniors. In some rural areas or in French-speaking minority communities, the availability of such programs is limited. The objectives of this paper are to: (a) describe the Fall Prevention Program Marche vers le futur, offered in French, by videoconference; and (b) present the results of the evaluation of the program objectives. Results demonstrate that participants have improved their physical abilities, gained knowledge, adopted new behaviors and lifestyle habits. In short, Marche vers le futur reduces fall risk factors in a manner equal or superior to other programs. Marche vers le futur has made possible the provision of services in French in communities where availability of French-language resources is very limited, therefore fostering equity in access to health services.

Automated Fall Detection Technology in Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry: Nurses' Perceptions and Lessons Learned.

ABSTRACTHospitalized older adults are at high risk of falling. The HELPER system is a ceiling-mounted fall detection system that sends an alert to a smartphone when a fall is detected. This article describes the performance of the HELPER system, which was pilot tested in a geriatric mental health hospital. The system's accuracy in detecting falls was measured against the hospital records documenting falls. Following the pilot test, nurses were interviewed regarding their perceptions of this technology. In this study, the HELPER system missed one documented fall but detected four falls that were not documented. Although sensitivity (.80) of the system was high, numerous false alarms brought down positive predictive value (.01). Interviews with nurses provided valuable insights based on the operation of the technology in a real environment; these and other lessons learned will be particularly valuable to engineers developing this and other health and social care technologies.

Fear of Falling in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: The IMIAS Study.

ABSTRACTSeveral determinants of developing fear of falling (FoF) overlap with the consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM). We compared the prevalence and severity of FoF in older adults with and without DM and identified which FoF determinants contribute to FoF severity in older adults with DM. We used Canadian baseline data from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) which identified 141 older adults with DM (DM-group;age:68.88±2.80years) and 620 without DM (noDM-group;age:68.81±2.68years). FoF was quantified with Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). FoF determinants were evaluated in demographic/health-related, physical, psychological, and social domains. High concern of FoF was more prevalent and of higher severity in 10/16 FES-I activities in the DM-group compared to the noDM-group. Higher FoF severity in the DM-group was associated with poor physical performance, being female, fall history, and clinical depressive symptoms. Protocols developed for screening and interventions may reduce FoF severity in this population.