The Development of Fall Prevention Model in Elderly by Participation of Family, Community and Local in ABC 6-D Area Base Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to study fall situations among the elderly and to develop fall prevention model for the elderly. A purposive sampling was employed. The research was divided into 4 phases: the first and the second phases were to prepare and study the situations with 533 elderly and the third and the fourth phases were to conduct research and evaluation with 60 elderly, 60 caregivers, and 30 network partners. Data were collected using a fall risk evaluation form, a model efficiency evaluation form, interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observations. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and content analyses.

The findings revealed that 1) the elderly was at risk for falls and was lack of knowledge and understanding about fall prevention; 2) the fall prevention model for the elderly with participations from families, communities, and locals in all processes included risk evaluation, education, home visits, providing information back to the communities, and evaluation. Results from evaluation showed that elderly’s leg muscle strength and balance after attending the program were better than that before the program. The average balance time was fewer than 13.45 seconds in 27 persons (46.67%) which was better than before the program. Those who used more than 20 seconds reduced to 14 people (23.33%) and the model efficiency was at the highest level (=4.52, SD=0.71); and 3) innovations in fall prevention was developed using the fun elastic band for exercise with the participants’ satisfaction with the innovation at a high level (=4.48, SD=0.74).