The National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control states:

In 2001, more than 11,600 people ages 65 and older died from fall-related injuries (CDC 2003). More than 60% of people who die from falls are 75 and older (Murphy 2000). 

Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or head traumas that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death (Sterling 2001). 

Among people ages 75 years and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer (Donald 1999). 

 Divisions Programs:

Adelaide North East Division of General Practice
Southern Highlands Division of General Practice
Townsville Division of General Practice

Other Resources:

National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/spotlite/falls.htm

National Falls Prevention for Older People Initiative http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-injury-falls-index.htm

NSW Health Falls Prevention - Home Safety Checklist
http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/publications/5415.html

The Australian Falls Prevention Project  http://www.health.qld.gov.au/fallsprevention/project/default.asp

National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
List of projects undertaken by or in conjunction with NARI on falls prevention  http://www.mednwh.unimelb.edu.au/divisions_health_falls.html
NARI worked in conjunction with Adelaide West "Stay on your feet" to revamp a DVA booklet resulting in the booklet "Don't fall for it. Falls can be prevented!"  The booklet can be obtained electronically from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing webite.

The Victorian Quality Council
Minimising the risk of falls and falls injuries: Guidelines for acute, sub-acute and residential care settings     http://www.health.vic.gov.au/qualitycouncil/plans/falls_5d.htm

Subscribe to Page