Development of a Model for Preventing and Solving Falls in The Elderly, Nong Bok Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Abstract

     This action research aimed to develop a model for preventing and solving falls among the elderly in the Nong Bok Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The sample was selected based on a purposive sampling, along with 60 elderly volunteers who consented to participate in the activities.
     The instruments consisted of a fall incidence data survey, in-depth interview forms, assessments and interventions for individual risk factors for fall prevention among the elderly, a health literacy questionnaire concerning fall prevention, and a satisfaction evaluation. The content validity was verified, and the instruments were refined according to expert recommendations. The findings indicated that the development of a model for preventing and solving falls among the elderly in the community included 1) developing key leaders among health volunteer teachers for risk assessment and screening, providing guidance and referrals for at-risk individuals, and collaboratively designing care for the elderly in the community; 2) training the elderly through health volunteer teachers, conducting risk assessments using customized evaluation tools, measuring muscle strength, assessing mobility, exercising with resistance bands, and planning interventions for individual risk factors using a Mini Care Plan; 3) evaluation and recommendations for improving home safety in collaboration with network partners; and 4) empowerment visits. This resulted in the sample expressing a high level of satisfaction, with statistically significant improvements in average health literacy scores related to prevention before and after the intervention with a statistical significance level of .05, and a reduction in falls among the elderly.