Alzheimer’s Disease and Falling: What’s the Connection
Contact Hours: 2
Cost: $20.00
Every year, many people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) fall, often repeatedly. Often, the individuals fall is ascribed solely to AD. As a result, to guard against further falls, health providers will restrict the AD persons mobility, which can actually increase fall risk (due to loss of leg strength, balance, coordination, etc.). The purpose of Alzheimer’s Disease and Falling: What’s the Connection is to make health providers in the community and institutional settings aware of why people with AD fall, and how to prevent falls in this vulnerable population. While the information may not always be applicable to the participant’s clinical setting, my hope is that enough information can be gleaned, which will enable participants to avoid falls in their AD populations.
Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:
•Identify the extent and consequences of falling in AD
•List 2 common fall risk factors in AD
•List 2 common injury risk factors in AD
•Describe common environmental risk factors for falls in AD
•Explain behavioral fall risk factors in AD
•State 3 strategies to prevent falls in AD
Curriculum
Chapter I: The Connection Between AD and Falling
Fall Risk Factors
•Altered Mobility
•Altered Cognition
•Medication Risk Factors
•Altered Vision
Injurious Fall Risk Factors
Environmental Risk Factors
Chapter II Evaluating Falls and Fall Risk in AD
Assessing Falls and Fall Risk
Mobility Evaluation
Monitoring Fall Risk
Post Fall Assessment
Chapter III Interventions
Medical Strategies
Behavioral Strategies
Rehabilitative Strategies
Environmental Strategies
•Pathways
•Lighting
•Flooring
•Beds
•Chairs
•Bathroom
•Closet Shelves/Kitchen Cabinets
Fall and Injury Prevention Devices
Chapter IV Specific Behavioral and Health Problems
Paranoia
Urinary Incontinence
Safe Nighttime Toileting
Bathing
Grab Bar Safety
Wandering
Insomnia
Behavioral Disturbances in Acute Care Settings