The effectiveness of home modifications on the risk of falling in older adults with dementia: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of modifying the home environment on falls in older adults with dementia. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial study, 44 older adult patients with dementia who met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study and then randomly assigned to intervention ( n = 22) and control ( n = 22) groups using a balanced block randomization method. The intervention group received home modifications, while the control group did not receive any modifications. After intervention, The HOME Fall and Accident Screening Tool was used to assess falls. The ethics committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences approved the study procedure (IR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1399.163) and this study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the code: IRCT20210106049950N1. Results: Comparing the mean fall risk scores between the two groups at the beginning of the study showed no significant difference in the risk of falling ( p = 0.6). By contrast, at the end of the study, this difference became significant between groups ( p < 0.001). This comparison in the control group at the beginning and end of the study indicated no significant difference ( p = 0.32). However, it was significant in the intervention group at the beginning of the study and after modifications ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Modifications by applying changes and reforms to the home environment reduced the risk of falling in older adults with dementia.