Study reveals cost of fall injuries
Despite efforts to cushion the impact, falls remain a problem, especially with aged care residents at risk.
How to prevent a fall
Keep physically active. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. This will help you stay strong and improve your balance. Suitable activities include tai chi, dancing, and group exercise programs.
Maintain a healthy diet. Enjoy a wide variety of foods, particularly during hot weather. Food supplements may help if you are underweight.
Stand up slowly after you have been lying down or sitting to prevent posture-related dizziness.
More information is available here.
Falls are a significant issue in residential aged care and the general community, with 30% of adults over 65 experiencing at least one fall per year.
This is set to increase as the population ages, with the proportion of people aged over 65 predicted to increase from 14% (3 million people) in 2010 to 23% (8.1 million) in 2050.
The cost of falls across society is expected to rise to around $1.4 billion by 2051.
Residents in aged care homes are particularly vulnerable, with 50% of all residents experience a fall each year.
However, the total impact of falls on the sector, residents, and the economy is not well known.
Falls can result in serious injury and loss of independence and can have a significant impact on quality of life. They can also result in increased costs and risks for aged care providers and the taxpayer.
A new study has costed the financial impact of fall-related injuries in the residential aged care sector at $325 million annually.
The University of Queensland study found fall injuries accounted for 20% of annual expenditure on an aged care resident between 2021-2022.
In 2021-22, 303 people aged over 65 in aged care facilities in New South Wales and Western Australia were monitored.
The researchers found the average cost of a fall resulting in injury was around $2,500.
“A total of 281 residents had falls, but only 119 of the residents had fall injuries, so the potential cost of fall injuries to Australia’s health care system was $325 million a year,” researcher Dr Charles Okafor said.
“Falls pose a significant financial burden but despite efforts to address the issue over the years, falls continue to remain a significant problem.”
Treating fall injuries
Doctors may suggest the following treatments:
Vitamin D and calcium supplements and bone health improvement.
Medications review. Some medicines cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness, or dizziness.
Podiatry assessment. Ageing can cause changes to your feet, which can change the way you walk and your balance.
Eyesight assessments and cataract surgery. Hip protectors reduce the likelihood of a breaking a hip, particularly for those who have osteoporosis or fall frequently.
The study found gender and body mass index (BMI) were the two major factors linked to a high falls risk.
Counter-intuitively, the study found male residents were twice as likely to suffer a fall-related injury and those with a normal BMI were at higher risk.
“Residents with a normal BMI are possibly more independent and not as closely monitored as those who could be overweight or underweight and less mobile,” Dr Okafor said.
The falls risk profile is completely different for those living in the wider community, which Dr Okafor suggests means different approaches are needed for different populations.
A national prevention strategy is in place through the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society but Dr Okafor says more research is needed to create a strategy specifically catering to aged care residents.
Related reading: BMJ, UQ, NARI, Safety and Quality
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.
