ABSTRACT
Falls among older people are a major health concern. It has been well documented over the years that a third of individuals over 65, and nearly half of those over 80, fall each year (Prudham and Evans, 1981). Approximately half of all recorded fall episodes that occur among independent community dwelling older people happen in their homes and immediate home environments (Lord et al, 1993). Fall related incidences are influencing factors in nearly half of the events leading to long-term institutional care in older people (Kennedy and Coppard, 1987). Clearly, if the incidence of falls can be reduced, people can live longer, more healthily and more independently in their own homes, with a better quality of life.
