Older women's responses and decisions after a fall: The work of getting "back to normal". Issue 12 (1st December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergeron, Caroline D.; Friedman, Daniela B.; Messias, DeAnne K. Hilfinger; Spencer, S. Melinda; Miller, Susan C.
• Is Part Of: Health care for women international. Volume 37:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1342
• Page End: 1356
• Publication Date: 2016-12-01
• Subjects: Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Neonatology; Obstetrics; Women -- psychology; Femmes -- Santé et hygiène -- Périodiques; Femmes -- Santé, Services de -- Périodiques; 613.0424405
• DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2016.1173039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-9332

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this descriptive qualitative research, we examined older women's responses and decisions after experiencing a fall. Falls were unexpected, sudden events that heightened these women's awareness of their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social independence. Interviewees reported assessing personal, physical, and emotional needs; feeling burdened by the extra work; trying to get back to normal; seeking and obtaining assistance and spiritual support; avoiding specific people, objects, and places; planning ahead; and putting the fall out of mind. Consideration of older women's post-fall responses and decisions should be incorporated into fall prevention and management programs, services, and clinical recommendations.