Embarrassment experienced by older adults in relation to accidental falls: A concept analysis

• Published in: Geriatric nursing (New York) Vol. 41; no. 6; pp. 769 - 775
• Main Authors: Dolan, Hanne, Taylor-Piliae, Ruth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.2020
• Subjects: Accidental falls; Concept analysis; Embarrassment; Nursing; Older adults; Nursing; Embarrassment; Accidental falls; Older adults; Concept analysis
• ISSN: 0197-4572; 1528-3984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.05.007

•The feeling of embarrassment is associated with accidental falls and being at risk for falling in older adults.•Embarrassment can be a barrier for adopting fall prevention strategies in older adults.•This concept analysis offers a definition of embarrassment in relation to older adults at risk for falling.•Recognition of embarrassment and improved management strategies of this emotion can increase older adults’ adherence to fall prevention.•Including assessment of embarrassment in fall prevention can promote adherence and may reduce falls among older adults. Embarrassment is commonly felt by older adults experiencing a fall, and embarrassment may cause older adults to adopt maladaptive behaviors by not implementing fall prevention strategies. Clarifying the concept of embarrassment for nursing and defining the concept as it relates to accidental falls and fall prevention among older adults was conducted using Walker and Avant's eight-step concept analysis process. The proposed definition of embarrassment experienced by older adults in relation to accidental falls is: The feeling of physical discomfort and exposure in a social situation due to the loss of control and self-esteem, as well as the inconsistency between one's personal identity as an independent and dignified person and the accidental fall or near fall behavior that threatens independence and dignity leading to emotional distress. Nurses recognizing older adults’ potential fall-related embarrassment may increase older adults’ adherence to fall prevention strategies and improve health outcomes.