Fall Prevention

• Falls Are Preventable• There are simple, key tips for you to follow to

help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life.

Depth of the problem

• One in four of the age of 60

• One in three over the age of 65

AIHW: Bradley C 2013. Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW

Over 60

Over 65

Transport Death1,503

Accidental falls death1,648

Transport vs FallsAustralia 2010

ABS. 2010. Causes of death: Australia. http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/E39670183DE1B0D9CA2579C6000F7A4E/$File/33030_2010.pdf

Transport vs FallsAustralia 2009

Transport

53,406 hospital admissions

Average 4.4 days in hospital

per case

Accidental Falls

83,800 hospital admissions

Average 15.5 days in hospital

per case

AIHW 2012. Serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2008-09. Injury research and statistics series no. 67. Cat. no. INJCAT 143. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 5 February 2015 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737421997>.

AIHW: Bradley C 2013. Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW

Transport14% of injury related

hospitalisations

Falls38% of injury related

hospitalisations

AIHW: Harrison, J (2012). Accidental falls the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=10737422922

AIHW 2012. Serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2008-09. Injury research and statistics series no. 67. Cat. no. INJCAT 143. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 5 February 2015 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737421997>.

Transport vs FallsAustralia 2009

Trip

Slip

Stumble

What is a fall?

The World Health Organization defines a fall as:

“ An event, which results in a person coming to rest unintentionally on the ground or other lower level”

Risk factors

Balance

Falls

Medicines Age*

Vision Gender*

Vitamin DHome Hazards

Footwear

Mental health

Personal

* Non-modifiable

Environmental

KEY

Weak legs

STAND STRONGMove Improve Remove

Falls Are Preventable

Here are some simple, key tips for you to follow to help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life.

 Move your body:• Build your balance• Strengthen your legs

 Improve your health:• Check your medicines• Keep a healthy mind• Fuel your body

 Remove hazards:• Make your home safer• Check your eyesight• Wear safe footwear

Improve Your Health

• Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential at all ages to help keep you independent and reduce illness.

• Be aware of your body and mind.

• If you notice any changes such as feeling dizzy, pain, drowsy or depressed, please see your GP.

How many lollies in the jar?

Improve Your HealthCheck Your Medicines

All medicines can cause side effects and these increase the more you take. Long-term use of medication, such as sleeping pills, will increase health risks.

Use an action plan during this session to write down tasks to remember to

complete later

• All medicines have effects; some of which are useful and some that may be negative

• Common negative side effects from medications that can lead to falls include:

• Dizziness • Light-headedness or fainting,

• Drowsiness• Confusion

• Memory problems

• If you have any of these symptoms see your GP or pharmacist

How to avoid side effects and interactions;

• Make sure you regularly have your medicines checked by your GP or

pharmacist • Make sure you take your medication in the

right dose and at the right time• Make sure have an up to date list of your

medications so you know what you are on to avoid double ups

• Only take your own medication and not other people’s

Medicines that affect your mood, behaviour, mental activity or

perception

• Many older people suffer from poor sleep quality and may take sleeping pills

• These pills have adverse effects such as dizziness, loss of balance and disorientation

• Side effects far out way the benefits• Check whether your sleeping pills are necessary

with your GP and understand that withdrawal can be very gradual and there can be many benefits with withdrawing

Have a go at writing a medicine list!

• Which type suits you?• If there is anything you are not sure about write this

in your action plan to ask your GP or pharmacist

For more information visit the Stay On Your Feet® website at XXXX

References

ABS. 2012. Accident, Injuries and Fatalities: Transport related deaths. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~Accidents,%20injuries%20and%20fatalities~189

ABS. 2010. Causes of death: Australia. http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf/0/E39670183DE1B0D9CA2579C6000F7A4E/$File/33030_2010.pdf

AIHW: Bradley C 2013. Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW

AIHW: Harrison, J (2012). Accidental falls the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=10737422922

AIHW 2014. Hospitalised injuries in older Australians: 2011-12. Injury research and statistics series 90. Cat. no. INJCAT 166. Canberra: AIHW.

AIHW 2012. Serious injury due to land transport accidents, Australia 2008-09. Injury research and statistics series no. 67. Cat. no. INJCAT 143. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 5 February 2015 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737421997>.

Lord S, Sherrington C and Menz H (2007). Falls in Older People: Risk Factors and Strategies for Prevention. New York: Cambridge University Press.