CORRELATION BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL ABILITY AND FALL RISK AMONGINSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY RESIDENTS

Abstract

This research examined the relationship between functional ability and fall risk among institutionalized elderly

persons. The objective was to determine how levels of independence in activities of daily living measured by the Barthel Index correlate with general functional capacity and vulnerability to falls. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used including 30 participants from 53 to 89 years from a residential care home in Kravari, North Macedonia. Functional performance was assessed across ten activities of daily life categories, and descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Pearson correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. Results indicated that 40% of participants had severe dependence, while 26.7% were totally dependent, with a mean Barthel score of 47.83 ± 32.92. Strong positive correlations were found between total functional independence and subdomains of mobility (r = 0.927), transfer (r = 0.897), and toileting (r = 0.861), all with p < 0.001. The regression model found toileting, feeding, and dressing as predictors of independence (R² = 0.891, p < 0.001). These results confirmed that reduced functional ability is associated with increased fall risk and stress the importance of rehabilitation focusing on mobility, postural control, and self-care restoration in institutionalized elderly persons.