Fall Risk, Functional Status, and Elder Abuse in Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background This study examines the relationship between the risk of falls, activities of daily living, and abuse in older adults admitted to the emergency department. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 elderly individuals aged 60 and over who presented to the emergency department. The researcher prepared the Descriptive Information Form, the Falls Behavior Scale (FaB), and the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HS/EAST) for data collection. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, independent t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis methods were used to evaluate the data. Results The participants were predominantly female (52.2%), married (77.1%), and had nuclear-family structures. The mean score (X̄ = 2.96 ± 0.33) for elderly individuals' fall-prevention behaviors was above the midpoint. A strong and significant positive relationship was found between potential abuse and Hs/East total score (r = .781, p < .001). Conclusions Early intervention, social awareness, and strengthening preventive services are crucial to reducing the risks of falls and abuse. The independence of older adults should be supported by education and environmental regulations.