Profile and environment of the elderly, who had falls and met at a clinic for geriatrics and gerontology in Distrito Federal

Abstract

With aging increases the likelihood of falling, and its occurrence considered as a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to profile of elderly patients in a geriatric unit of the Federal District who have suffered falls. Methodology: A retrospective and qualitative study of care of the older chips that crashed in a geriatric unit of the Federal District. Data on the environment were raised where they reside, diseases, barriers and more. Results: The occurrence of this event is due to several factors: living alone, low education and low income, female, use of multiple medications, impaired vision and hearing, insecurity to walk and uneven sidewalks. Among the factors related to domestic environment should be highlighted as risk places the bathroom and the bedroom, in addition to floors with ceramics. Conclusion: The incidence of falls can be minimized by environmental adaptation of the elderly at home, preventive measures by the government to external and public areas, and training of professionals in health care about aging.