Assignment

The number of deaths resulting from injuries as a result of fall among the population aged 60 years and above has been on the rise, and this called for the study in the area of fall in people with dementia. This research aimed at determining the major causes of falls and the possible mechanisms that can be employed to help enhance the nursing care offered to people with dementia. The purpose of the study was to solicit information related to falls in people with dementia through the examination of the similarities that exist in the data collected with the primary focus being improving nursing care to this population. To be able to gather relevant facts and figures concerning the topic of study, the following research questions were developed and used:

i. What is the rate of fall among the elderly in nursing care homes?

ii. In a day, how many rounds do a nurse visit a patient with dementia?

iii. What kind of activities is the elderly engage in that may cause their fall?

These questions acted as a directive to the research procedure so that the information gathered was directed towards answering the set of questions. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied during this study. Qualitative approach relied on the already conducted study to conclude. The method of study involved analyzing those articles and literary materials with most current information concerning the fall in people with dementia and any other information on dementia. According to the findings of the study, falling is not inevitable. However, the occurrence of dementia increases the likelihood of a person falling. Factors associated with the fall in the people with dementia include mobility difficulty, muscle weakness and loss of balance. Even among those with dementia, the risk of falling differs depending on the prevalence of the identified conditions. People with dementia are not only at high risk of falling due to their increasing age but also as a result of the loss of their cognitive ability and their ability to correctly judge distances. The following measures have been proposed as mechanisms that can help minimize the falls among the people with dementia:

i. Nurses should make more regular rounds in visiting the patients.

ii. Avoidance of clusters in living space.

iii. Adequate lighting of the rooms.

iv. Providing comfortable foot ware for the elderly in the care homes.

v. Keeping them away from slippery surfaces.

Methods of the study

As indicated in the article, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. 174 patients aged over 60 were recruited from a long term care facility.Assessment of baseline risk factors was performed and fall diaries were completed prospectively for 3 month. The article states categorically that quantitative method involved analyzing the already documented research. The inclusion criteria were that the information contained must be most current. Quantitatively, percentages were used in defining some sets of data. As per the article content, the description of the methodology section is not sufficient. The participant’s population is not described, whether their consent was sought is also not indicated. Analysis of the literature to determine the similarities among the sets of data concerning the topic was relevant for achieving the objective of the study. Such data would probably provide the right information concerning the trend in fall among the people with dementia. The study drew and hypothesis that elderly people with dementia are at higher risk of falls and the consequences of the falls. This is a theoretical framework upon which the study was built. The research questions and objectives of the study also revolved around the theory. The study aimed at confirming or disagreeing with the theory based on the already documented research.

Results of the study

According to the findings of the study, the research concludes that the elderly with dementia are at higher risk of falling and the consequences associated with the falls. Nearly 8 times more patients with Dementia experienced more incidents of falls(9118/1000 person-years) .The finding and the conclusion are in line with reality. Dementia comes with a loss of cognitive ability, which in turn gives rise to complications such as memory, impaired reasoning, and poor planning. Such an individual may lack the ability to estimate distances or remember that dangerous area ton them properly. Such factors that would theoretically increase their likelihood of falling. Based on the inclusion criteria and the search for documented research, I have confidence in the findings. The literature searched must have been those whose hypothesis was tested and verified (Aveyard, 2014).

Applicability of the findings in nursing practice

One of the principles of nursing practice is to manage risks, be vigilant of the possible risks and keep everyone in the place where they receive care safe (Manley et al., 2011). This study made certain findings that a nurse needs to be vigilant of. The objective of the study was to determine the causes of fall among patients with dementia. T the researchers, this information could be treated as research findings. However, to the professionals in nursing practice, the information gathered and the analysis of the study serves as a source of awareness. The information creates awareness among nurses attending to patients with dementia indicating the things that they need to be careful about to keep their patients safe. With these findings at the disposal of a nurse, he is made aware of the factors that if left to the operation or exist would increase the likelihood fall from occurring. Secondly, the study provides recommendations for some mechanisms that can be used to reduce the likelihood of the fall occurring. The recommendations are aimed at enhancing the nurse's skills of keeping the patients safe, which is part of the principle already quoted. They use the intelligence, skills and the insight couple with their understanding in line with the needs of every individual in their care. The findings were drawn from a study, which focused mainly on the most current information. This implies that the findings of this study keeps the nurses up to date on skills and knowledge concerning dementia and falls related to dementia. Therefore, the findings equip professionals in the nursing practice with the knowledge and skills that help them provide the best patient-centered care to people with dementia.

Ethical considerations

The first ethical consideration is that the care is participant autonomy. During the research, it is important to ensure that the participants have the right to consent (Marianna, 2011). They must agree to participate in the study in an event their involvement is necessary. The study also determined that ethically, the participation in the nursing homes by the patients should be voluntary. The decision to participate should be reached by the patient upon a proper understanding of the program. They should be offered an environment where they can make informed decisions. During the research, the patient participants have the right to information. They have the right to know what is going on and what the study is all about. Where their family members are entitled to any information, it should be availed ton them.

Conclusion

Dementia is affecting a larger population as a result of the increased sized of the elderly in the society. Due to the loss of cognitive abilities associated with dementia, members of this population are at higher risk of falling. The findings of the study are very much in line with the conclusion drawn by the researcher. These findings help create a sense of awareness in the nurses giving care to patients with dementia. They also act as a source of knowledge and skills on the current trends regarding dementia. This makes the findings to serve as a boost the nurse's knowledge base. It is however ethical that the patient autonomy is maintained if they are to participate in the research programs or ever the care programs.

References

Aveyard, H. (2014). Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide.

McGraw-Hill Education (UK).

Manley, K., Hills, V., & Marriot, S. (2011). Person-centered care: the principle of nursing practice D. Nursing Standard (through 2013), 25(31), 35.

Marianna, M. (2011). What are the major ethical issues in conducting research? Is there a

Conflict between the research ethics and the nature of nursing? Health Science Journal, 5(1).