Evaluation of Nutrition, Pressure Ulcer and Fall Risk Status and Related Factors in Individuals Receiving Home Health Care Services

Objective: In this study, the aim is to evaluate the factors associated with nutrition, pressure ulcers, and fall risks in individuals receiving home health care. Methods: A retrospective study was designed by examining the files of the patients registered in the Home Health Care. Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, Modified Norton Scale and Itaki Fall Risk Scale scores were recorded. Results: The study included 334 patients. 197 (59%) of them were female and the mean age was 74.15 +/- 16.12 (min: 18, max: 101). The most common chronic diseases was hypertension (HT) (n=167, 50%), whereas the two most common comorbidities were DM and HT (n=77, 23.1%). Patients receiving home health care were found to be at risk for malnutrition, pressure ulcers and falls. Being semi-bedridden and wheelchair bound were found to be predictors for the risk of developing pressure ulcers according to regression analysis results. Also it was identified that the age and dependency levels of the patients receiving home health care explained 12% of the falling behaviours of the older people. Conclusion: Necessary warnings should be given at every visit, so that receiving home health care should not be neglected in terms of risks and preventive measures should be taken for this patient group.