Why Older Adults Take Risk Essay

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Part B: Annotated Bibliography Article One: Why do hospitalized older adults take risks that may lead to falls? A study commenced by Terry.P.Haines recruited from Southern Health Hospital facilities, Victoria, Australia in 2009 between the months of March and June after receiving ethical approval from the Southern Health Human Research committee. The study aimed to identify factors and pathways explaining as why older adults take risks that may lead to falls in hospitalized setting. Thus, the aim of the study were addressed using qualitative, phenomenological, constructive approach that was exploratory and descriptive. The participants were from inpatient medical and rehabilitation wards (n=16) and health professionals (n=33). Semi- structured, in depth interviews and focus groups were used to generate qualitative data According to the researcher, risk taking was classified as enforced, voluntary, and informed. The five key factors that influence risk taking behaviour were risk compensation ability of the older adults, willingness to ask for help, older …show more content…

Risk factors associated with fall related minor injury are young age, male gender and cognitive impairment whereas with fall related major injury the risk factors include functional autonomy, and length of stay in hospitals. In further statistical analysis, controlling for functional autonomy, disruptive behaviours and neuroleptic use were found associated with fall related major injury. To add on falls also have significant psychosocial consequences as those who have been victims of falls often develop a post fall syndrome which is fear of falling. The elderly than further reduce their activities as to prevent further falls thus precipitating a cycle of increased dependency, loss of function, loss of confidence, social isolation and depression which leads to decreased quality of