Fall risk factors in long-term care facilities in Ontario

Abstract

This research was the first large study in Ontario seeking to assess the fall risk factors of longterm care (LTC) residents. Ontario-wide LTC data were provided by the Canadian Institute of Health Information for the period April 2019 through March 2020. Guided by a positivist philosophical orientation, this thesis consolidated existing fall risk factor research using a literature review; developed a concept analysis on the relationship between homeostasis and falls in older adults; and conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective research study on falls in Ontario’s LTC facilities. The main research question was: What are the factors associated with falls among residents living in Ontario’s LTC facilities? Results showed a significant relationship between variables such as age, sex, diuretic use, visual impairment, dependency in activities of daily living, and cognitive and physical impairments with falls within the previous 30 days. Research results will contribute to the development of more effective falls prevention strategies.