Falls in Aged Care: The Importance of Prevention

What is a Fall?

A fall is defined as “an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor, other than as a consequence of sustaining a collision with another person or object.”



Falls can occur anywhere and at any time, but they are most common in older people, who are more likely to experience frailty and poor balance. Falls can cause serious fall-related injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and bruises. In some cases, they can even lead to death.

Falls in Elderly: Symptoms and Causes

Falls among the elderly is a serious problem and one that is often under-recognised. They can cause significant injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and even death. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in people over the age of 65.

There are many different factors that can contribute to falls in the elderly. These include muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness, reduced strength and coordination, and environmental hazards. Falls can also be caused by environmental factors such as slippery floors or cluttered rooms.

Fall-related injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, hip fractures or head injuries. In some cases, falls can even lead to death.

In addition to the physical impacts, falls can also have a significant psychological impact, causing anxiety, fear, and a loss of confidence. This can lead to social isolation and a decline in physical activity, which can further increase the risk of falling.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek medical help to avoid injuries.

The Importance of Prevention

Falls can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, so it is important that steps are taken to prevent them from happening. If a fall does occur, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. Once the person has been assessed by a healthcare professional, they will be able to develop a plan to prevent future falls from happening. This might involve making changes to the environment, modifying medications, and providing patient education.

By following the strategies we listed in your aged care facilities, we can assure you that they can significantly reduce the leading cause of falls occurring.

Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Preventing falls can be a tough task, but it is not impossible.

For those who are at an increased risk of falling, the best way to prevent these falls is by implementing a comprehensive fall prevention plan. This plan will include four key components:

1. Environmental Modifications

The first step in fall prevention is to modify the environment. This includes things like making sure there are no throw rugs or carpets that may cause a tripping hazard. The floors should be kept clean and free of any debris.

It’s also a good idea to remove any items from the immediate area that may present a tripping or falling hazard, such as throw pillows, remote controls, and other objects.

It’s important to make sure all stairways have a handrail and that it is securely positioned on both sides of the stairs. You also want to make sure that all doors have enough support and don’t slam shut when they’re opened.

2. Accessible Facilities

One of the most important preventative measures is ensuring that facilities are accessible. Accessibility can be achieved through a variety of means, such as installing ramps or handrails. It’s also important to ensure that pathways are clear and free of clutter.

A clean, well-lit environment also contributes to safety. There should be proper lighting in the pathways and common areas, as well as lights in the rooms where people spend most of their time in the aged care facility.

3. Assessments and Screening

Another step in preventing falls is assessing the risk factors of each individual. This assessment can help identify physical and environmental hazards that might cause a fall.

It’s important to have an occupational therapist complete a comprehensive assessment before implementing any fall prevention strategies. They will also go through a detailed screening process with your loved one to rule out any underlying health problems that could be causing them to slip or trip. If there are any medical concerns, they should be addressed before implementing any interventions for fall prevention.

4. Training Staff on Fall Prevention

One of the most important steps in preventing falls is ensuring that your staff are properly trained. Allied health professionals need to have a good understanding of the issues related to falls and how they can be prevented. They also need to know what actions to take when a resident has fallen, including how to assess the resident for injuries and if necessary, call for emergency help.

5. Patient Education

An important part of fall prevention is educating patients about the risks and what they can do to reduce them. This might include talking about their medications and making sure they know about any side effects that could make them more likely to fall.

Patients should also be encouraged to stay active and exercise regularly, as this can help to improve their balance and coordination. They should be taught how to safely get in and out of beds, chairs, and bathtubs, and given assistance if needed.

Finally, patients should be made aware of any hazards in their environment and how to avoid them. For example, they should be told to keep the floors clear of clutter and electrical cords, and to wear shoes that fit properly and provide good support.