Making decisions after experiencing a fall: Preliminary survey results with older women in South Carolina

Background: One in three U.S. women aged 65+ experiences a fall each year. This study examined the types of changes older women make after a fall and the factors that influence these decisions.

Methods: We distributed surveys to a convenience sample of older women living independently in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and in non-institutional homes in South Carolina. The survey examined self-rated health, health literacy, frequency and severity of falls, post-fall changes, and demographics. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22.

Results: Fifty-six women (M_age=82.02; SD=9.16) completed the survey. Close to 70% rated their health as good/very good and 86% reported they never/rarely receive help to read instructions from their doctor/pharmacy. Half reported having fallen only once in the past year. Participants reported making the following changes: being more careful (95%), looking where they are walking (86%), picking up their feet (68%), seeing a doctor (64%), and avoiding places where they might fall (64%). Fall severity was associated with consulting a doctor (p=0.003) and rehabilitation (p=0.006). Higher health literacy was associated with avoiding telling people about the fall (p=0.019) and avoiding help from others (p=0.008).

Discussion: Decisions and changes made after a fall can have a profound effect on how an older woman recovers and maintains her quality of life. Increased awareness of these post-fall changes and factors is needed to help women of all literacy levels make better decisions after a fall. Post-fall changes and factors should also be included in future falls prevention initiatives.