Managing fear of falling: Taiwanese elders’ perspective

The purpose of this study is to explore the underlying theoretical framework of managing fear of falling (FOF) among elders. A grounded theory approach was used. A purposive sample of 25 community-dwelling elders who admitted FOF was interviewed. Theoretical sampling was used to saturate the emergent concepts. Analysis of audiotaped interview transcripts generated a managing FOF process. Managing FOF is a dynamic process with consequences that are impacted by the level and which strategies are used with satisfaction by the elderly and supported by family/significant others. The study findings suggest that understanding the process of managing FOF from the perspective of elders is a significant first step in assisting them to prevent from falling.