Decision Making After a Fall: Preliminary Findings Examining the Experiences of Older Women and their Sources of Information

Background: Every year, one in three women aged 65+ experiences a fall. Falling can have a profound effect on how a woman perceives and maintains her health and independence. This study explored women's post-fall decision making (DM) and the role of their sources of information (SIs).

Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Winter 2013/14 with independent women living in a retirement community who had experienced a fall within the last six months, as well as the key individuals involved in their post-fall DM. Data were analyzed using inductive open coding and examined for themes.

Results: Six white women (four widowed, two married), aged 82-97 (M_age=89.3) were interviewed, most of whom had suffered a fall-related injury to a hip or arm. Five white SIs were interviewed, which included the women's husbands, daughter, and staff (age range=31-93, M_age=65.2). One woman did not report having a SI during her post-fall DM.

Women used two types of post-fall DM processes: 1) health promoting DM, including self-monitoring/prevention (e.g., being careful) and rehabilitation (e.g., physical therapy); 2) relational DM, which encompasses how others perceive them and their impact on others (e.g., burden). SIs were involved in both types of processes by: 1) discussing next steps; 2) offering encouragement/support, and/or providing information when asked.

Discussion: Post-fall DM is a complex process that is not made in a vacuum. More research is needed to explore how women's post-fall decisions vary by SI or lack thereof, and how the DM process can ultimately influence perceived independence and quality of life.