Japanese community-living older adults’ perceptions and solutions regarding their physical home environments

Abstract

This study examined perceived causes of accidental falls, the solutions implemented, and differences in scores on the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) based on experiences of accidental falls, implementation of solutions, and experiences of problems in participants’ current environments. Data were collected individually from Japanese community-living older adults. Of the 41 participants, 71% experienced accidental falls, 41.5% implemented solutions, and 39.0% experienced problems in their current environments. Some solutions were implemented, including both appropriate and inappropriate ones. The FES scores differed significantly, based on experiences of problems in participants’ current environments, suggesting that a consultation-style intervention would contribute towards improved FES scores among clients experiencing problems in their current environments.