Rehabilitation nursing in promoting health literacy in the elderly and preventing falls

The aim of this study was to map the available scientific evidence on the intervention of rehabilitation nurse specialists in the promotion of health literacy, with an emphasis on the prevention of falls in the elderly. The literature review suggest a positive relationship between adequate Health Literacy and a lower prevalence of falls, although more studies are needed to consolidate this association. The promotion of Health Literacy in the context of falls prevention can be operationalized in three main areas: identification and assessment of risk factors; mobilization and provision of resources; education, teaching and training. Within the scope of their competencies, rehabilitation nurses play a central role in developing and implementing strategies that promote the empowerment of the elderly, providing tools that facilitate informed decision-making and the adoption of behaviors aimed at preventing falls.