EVALUATION OF FALL RISK FACTORS PRESENT DURING INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the development and validation of the Scale of Practices of Evaluation of Fall Risk Factors during Institutionalization of Elderly People and to describe the practices of evaluation of communication of fall risks to institutionalized elderly people. Methods: methodological study, which allowed construction and determination of the psychometric properties of the Scale of Practices of Evaluation of Fall Risk Factors during Institutionalization of Elderly People, which was carried out in six long-term care institutions for elderly people, in 2018. Results: the scale showed satisfactory internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.949. It was designed to have three dimensions: practices of evaluation of biophysiological risk factors; practices of communication and training; and practices of evaluation of risks related to elderly people’s putting on clothing and footwear. Conclusions: the risk factors that had their value recognized were related to mobility. There is not proper recognition of the importance of information about fall risk factors and communication between elderly people and health teams during institutionalization.