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Injury Prevention
FallsNSW Health management policy to reduce fall injury among older people, 2003-2007 A statewide policy for the management of fall injuries among older people has been developed as part of Healthy People 2005 and was prepared following extensive consultation across all areas of the health sector, including having input from non-government organisations. The policy focuses on a coherent approach to fall injury reduction - addressing the risk group of older people before and when they are at greatest risk and in the major settings in whey they spend their time ie. community; supported aged care; and acute care settings.
Falls Prevention for Older People - An Awareness Campaign The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has provided funding to the Royal Australian College of Physicians to run Falls Prevention for Older People - An Awareness Campaign: A program of national workshops on risk factors and prevention strategies. The financing was allocated through the National Falls Prevention for Older People Initiative. See the Royal Australian College of Physicians website for venues and dates. Hospitalisation for falls is highest among the elderly
What are we doing about it? We have developed best practice guidelines in a document called Preventing injuries from falls in older people. The document details the causes of falls, highlights existing evidence regarding what works in falls prevention, identifies falls prevention strategies for local areas in NSW, and identifies potential roles for Area Health Services in the prevention of falls. Nine information sheets are available that describe common fall risks associated and possible solutions. Topics include: the environment, medications, vision, home hazards, chronic illness, physical activity, balance and walking style, osteoporosis and footwear. See the information sheets in English and the information sheets in other languages. We also asked The University of Western Sydney to undertake a mapping exercise for us to identify organisations and the postcode location of their physical activity leaders by Area Health Service. It is possible that some of these physical activity leaders could be trained to conduct physical activity initiatives with older people 65 years and over. See Training, accreditation and insurance, mapping the requirements for Fitness Professionals and other Physical Activity Instructors. Tips for safety in the home
You can also download a PDF copy of Stay on your feet: your home safety checklist - PDF.
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The
elderly are more likely to be hospitalised for falls than any other members
of the community. A survey of older people’s health in NSW found
that around 27 per cent of people aged 65 years and over reported having
a fall in the previous 12 months. Approximately 12 per cent of this age
group reported having a fall in the last 12 months that resulted in an
injury and 9 per cent reported having at least one fall that required
medical attention. See the report