Falls

Falls are common and a major cause of injury for older people. Older people are almost 12 times more likely to have a fall than a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident.

While at least one in three people aged 65 years or over fall one or more times a year, the figures are higher for people living in aged care. More than half of all people living in residential aged care have at least one fall each year.

What are the types of and common injuries from falls in aged care?

There are three types

• Physiological (anticipated). Most aged care falls belong to this category
• Physiological (unanticipated).
• Accidental.

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in older Australians. Injuries from falls are common, with up to a half of these falls causing serious injury such as factures – especially to the hip.

Causes of falls in aged care

Falls usually happen because gradual changes to our bodies make walking more difficult. Having balance problems, weaker muscles, poorer eyesight, slower reaction times, health problems such as incontinence, arthritis, low blood pressure, depression or dementia can increase the likelihood.

If an aged care resident is unfamiliar with or there are changes to the facility and its environment, this can also contribute to falls. Or if the aged care facility has poor lighting, slippery surfaces, spills or trip hazards such as rugs, floor mats electrical cords, steps and uneven surfaces. They can be caused by aged care residents wearing inappropriate footwear such as loose slippers or heels.

Taking new medication or generally having poor physical health is another cause.

There can be a vicious cycle in falls in aged care. Falls can trigger a loss of confidence and an ongoing fear of falling. This can lead to the person reducing their activity and movements, which further increases the risk of falling and may deteriorate their physical and mental health and well-being.

Preventing falls in aged care

Falls can be prevented – or the risk can be reduced – through simple safety measures and health management measures.

Identifying individual risk factors and developing a care plan to address the risk factors is a key safety measure. Find out what actions or prevention programs your residential aged care home have put in place to reduce falls, and what this involves. Ask them to develop a care plan for you or your loved one.

Make sure the aged care facility has a falls prevention strategy and program and its staff are trained in this. Check that it does not have trip hazards, has appropriate support rails, ramps and other safety aids, and monitors residents health and choice of footwear.

Caring lawyers to help reduce falls or make a claim for injury following a fall in aged care

Aged care facilities have a duty of care to provide residents with appropriate care, including taking reasonable action to prevent falls by residents.

Our lawyers can assist in making a complaint or negotiating with an aged care facility about care to prevent falls. We may also be able to assist in gaining compensation for costs and damages associated with a fall in an aged care facility due to negligence by the facility or its staff.