The use of control – the actions of informal carers on those at risk from falling at home. A qualitative study

To explore the experiences of informal carers who provide care for frail, older adults who are at risk from falling in their own home. Frail, older adults who fall present a significant challenge for their careers and the health and social care services that support them. Falls can often mean long stays in acute hospital facilities or admission to care homes. Research studies have often investigated the cause and effect of falls in relation to risk, but there has been a limited amount of insight into how informal carers manage those who are at risk from falling in their own home. A qualitative study that used thematic analysis was adopted. Ten informal carers participated in the study. Data were collected via one to one, semi structured interviews in the care recipient's home from February to May 2019. The study applied the COREQ research checklist. Findings highlight that informal carers believed that once a fall had occurred, further falls were inevitable and that falls prevention interventions were of little value. To prevent falls, informal carers would restrict the activity of the care recipient as well as controlling both the environment and the care recipient's movements. A better understanding of the use of control and monitoring of care recipients by informal carers is important. This knowledge will enable the delivery of falls prevention interventions for the frail, adult population that are effective, appropriate and promote the delivery of evidence-based care.