Repercussions of hospitalization due to fall of the elderly: health care and prevention

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the repercussions of the fall reported by the elderly and their caregiver during hospitalization in a public hospital in Florianópolis city from October to December 2014. Method: Exploratory research with a qualitative approach, conducted by depth interviews with 16 participants, the eight elderly were hospitalized for falls and eight elderly caregivers. Data analysis were performed through the Thematic Content Analysis. Results: It was evidenced the thematic axis: Faller Elderly supported by four thematic categories: Changes caused by Falls, I am a faller, I take care of me and Prevention of the Fall. The repercussions of the fall were evidenced in the impairment of the health condition, self-care and functional capacity. We observed the naturalization of the phenomenon and the passivity with the harmful consequences of the event. Final Considerations: The fall is valued the more negative its repercussion, such as the need for hospitalization and surgery. Managing the vulnerability of the elderly, especially in primary care, evaluating their comorbidities and their internal and external environment, will minimize unfavorable consequences and the social and financial cost of hospitalizations.