| Falls among the elderly population constitute a significant problem for individuals, families, and health care providers. By the year 2000, the population 65 and older is expected to number 33 million and comprise approximately 12% of the U.S. population. These changes in the age structure of the population will be dramatic and a corresponding increase in falls related injuries is expected.;Environmental, social, psychological, and financial factors are associated with increased falls risk. This study focused on selected environmental design factors. Environmental design factors included in this study were bathroom safety devices, floor surfaces, furniture, lighting, and stairs.;The purpose of the study was to identify the perceptual differences among independent elderly relative to falls risk associated with specified environmental design factors. The sample was analyzed based on gender, age, previous fall experience, fall frequency, and cognitive status.;The sample consisted of 130 independent elderly who attend the monthly meeting of Seniors Are Special program in Lubbock, Texas. The data were collected by utilizing questionnaires which included demographic information, cognitive tests, and environmental design assessments accompanied by line drawings. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample in regard to demographics. Inferential statistics which included t-test, One-Way ANOVA, Two-Way ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were used to address the five hypotheses of the study.;The findings suggest that the elderly believe that "loose carpet on stairs" is the most hazardous environmental design factor related to increased falls risk; women perceived most of the environmental design factors within the home environment as more hazardous than men; and age, fall frequency, fall experience, and cognitive status did not affect perceptual differences.;The results of the study will be used in the development of environmental design recommendations that can reduce the potential risk of a fall in the home environment. A reduction of falls risk, associated with the home environment, will promote independence, mobility, and well-being of the elderly. |
