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Essay / Environmental Modifications to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
Environmental modifications are a highly recommendable approach to preventing falls and injuries. The main approach of this strategy is to reduce injuries and falls by recognizing and eliminating environmental hazards. Some modifications to reduce risk included removing base extensions, removing loose mats, and installing handholds on the rampart. Although this approach is recommendable, its effects are not fully established. In this clause, a written report was prepared to provide clinics with evidence confirming the effectiveness of the environmental modifications. The method of providing evidence was to read literature aged 15 or younger. The materials he used for his research were case studies, trails, longitudinal studies, and summaries. By studying these documents, he separated the data he collected into two different classes. These classes were divided into institutional contexts and community contexts. The effects of institutional contexts were weak due to the lack of environmental validation tools, equipment, transfer techniques and maintenance practices. However, they found that those living in institutional settings recommended things like increased lighting, non-slip floor surfaces, bed stabilizers and wheelchair safety. Next, Friedberg's research discovered that sock slippers offered the ability to prevent falls from slipping into water as an environmental modification. In addition to Healy's research, they were able to see that the type of flooring used in the facility can reduce hazardous conditions. Such as vinyl floors used for falls and the use of mats that prevent injuries from falling. The effects of ...... middle of paper ...... fittings, it is important for an occupational therapist to pay attention to the impact of staffing levels associated with the number of falls that occur and staff capacity to adopt the recommendations. Additionally, they should look at the cost, cleaning issues, and type of modifications. In summary, it is important that patients are informed about safety topics when using modifications. Based on the literature researched, the author believes that environmental modifications as well as multifactorial interventions can make a difference in the falls that an older adult may experience. Still, he thinks more research should be done on effective environmental assessment tools, flooring materials and behavioral interventions. Regarding his final thoughts, he believes that strategies must be focused on the patient and that environmental modifications must be developed for that individual..