Fall Prevention Strategies for Home-dwelling Older Adults Aged 65 and over with a Diagnosis of Dementia: A Scoping Review

Abstract Falls represent a major health concern among older adults, particularly those with dementia, as they are at an increased risk because of cognitive impairment and physical frailty (Lach et al., 2017; Racey et al., 2021). Although fall prevention strategies have been extensively studied in older adults, little is known about how these strategies are tailored and implemented within home-based practice for individuals with dementia (Bamgbade & Dearmon, 2016; Lach et al., 2017; Racey et al., 2021; Williams-Roberts et al., 2020; Yeni & Yilmaz, 2022). This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesize the existing literature on fall prevention strategies for home-dwelling adults aged 65 and over with a diagnosis of dementia. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Research studies and gray literature published from 2014 to the present were included if they focused on fall-prevention strategies for home-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over with dementia. Research carried out in institutional, community, or residential care environments was excluded. Methods Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR checklist were used, augmented with bibliometric analysis. The researcher, with the guidance of the University librarian, conducted searches in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and relevant grey literature sources. Two reviewers independently screened studies and charted data using Covidence. Fifty-four studies and seven grey literature sources were included. Narrative synthesis was used to map study characteristics, strategy types, reported outcomes, and contextual factors. Results Preliminary synthesis of the literature indicates a heterogeneous body of evidence encompassing quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and review studies, as well as grey literature. Fall prevention strategies explored for home-dwelling older adults with dementia include structured exercise programs, dual-task and cognitive–motor approaches, assistive and digital technologies, home safety modifications, medication review, and caregiver-supported approaches. The literature reflects diversity in strategy design, thematic groupings, delivery approaches, and implementation within home-based practice settings. Conclusion Diverse fall-prevention strategies for home-dwelling adults with dementia reflect the multifactorial nature of fall risk but remain largely exploratory. There is a need for longitudinal, inclusive, and implementation-focused research to support further research on sustainable context-sensitive fall-prevention approaches in home-based practice.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing (M.N.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nursing

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Ugochukwu, Kachi

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jansen, Lynn

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Petrucka, Pammla
• Li, Hua

• Keywords: dementia
• fall prevention
• home-dwelling older adults
• home-based practice
• caregiver involvement
• Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/18259

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/18259