2Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu Hemşirelik Esasları Anabilim Dalı SİVAS Introduction and aim: The incidence of home accidents is high for elderly individuals. This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the relationship between home accidents and 65 years old and older individuals' level of dependency in their daily life activities (ADL).
Patients and Methods: The research was conducted with 300 elderly individuals who were 65 years old and older and live in catchment area a primary health care centre and agreed to participate in the study. The research sample was determined by systematic sampling method using household registration cards of the primary health care centre. Data were collected using a questionnaire, Katz's Activity's of Daily Living Index and Lawton and Brody's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Index. Data were evaluated using the SPSS packet program.
Results: It was determined that 6.3% of the elderly were completely dependent in their ADLs, 8.4% were completely dependent in their instrumental ADLs (IADL), and 15.7% partially dependent in their ADLs and 25.3% in their IADLs. Elderly individuals who were in the 75 years and older age group (p<0.05), used assistive devices such as a cane (p<0.05), or a hearing aid (p<0.05) and who used medications (antihypertensives) (p<0.05) had significantly higher levels of dependence in their ADLs and IADLs. The elderly who used glasses (p<0.05) and exercised regularly (p<0.05) had significantly higher levels of independence in their ADLs and IADLs. It was determined that 34.3% of the elderly had had a home accident in the last three months and as the percentage level of dependence in ADLs and IADLs increased the percentage of home accidents increased (p<0.05).
Conclusions: To decrease home accidents in elderly individuals, individuals at advanced ages, those who use assistive devices, those who take antihypertensive medications, and those who have high levels of dependence in the ADLs need to be followed closely. In addition elderly individuals and those who help them with their care need to be informed about home accidents.
Keywords : Elderly, Daily life activities, Instrumental daily life activities, Home accidents