ABSTRACT
Falls among older people are common, with one in three people aged over 65 experiencing one or more falls during a 12-month period. The rate of falls is even higher in residential aged-care facilities, where up to 60% of residents fall in a 12-month period (Tinetti 1987). Serious injuries related to falls have been reported to occur in 9% of residents in Care Homes, with the most common serious injuries being hip fractures (38%), other fractures (30%), and lacerations (30%) (Thapa et al. 1996). Hip fractures, which are one of the most catastrophic injuries sustained following a fall, are ten times more likely following a fall in older people in Care Homes than those living in private homes (Butler et al. 1996). Many falls, although they might cause no injury or minimal injury, can have a marked effect on other areas—including loss of confidence in walking and reduced participation in regular activities. These factors can increase an older person’s risk of falling in the future.
