Social work: approaches and interventions for the elderly that falls

Abstract

As the population gets older, a great number of crippling events become part of the list of problems that affect the elderly in Brazil.  Discussions on the topic are on the agenda of issues related to health planning for the elderly. Among those issues, falls are very common and dangerous events in population who are ageing. Approximately 30% of the elderly suffer falls at least once a year. The episodes of falls in the elderly are an important public health problem. It is also a non-publicized subject, though it merits an effective approach on the part of geriatric healthcare team. Given the impact that the event entails, assessments turn out to be a focal one without any investigation of the reasons that caused the fall and consequently, there are no guidelines to prevention. This article aims at making a review of the main factors associated with falls, punctuating the impact, especially for the family that is the leading provider of support for the elderly and for that reason the text draws attention to a look towards family and home environment. Finally, the text aims at presenting the main aspects that are raised in a social assessment performed with an elderly faller, as well as his family. The assessment of social conditions can provide essential information for therapeutic intervention, helping the planning to be prepared by an interdisciplinary team. Allied to this, the socio educational activities developed in the waiting room in the health units are important tools in the prevention of potential problems.