Falls

A fall is “an unexpected event in which an individual comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level”.¹⁰⁸

Although most people experience a fall at some point in their life, the impact of a fall for older or frailer people can be critical. Loss of confidence due to fear of a further fall may lead to reduced mobility, increased isolation, reduced muscle mass, increased joint pain and loss of independence, whether or not an injury is sustained from the fall. Falls are a major cause of emergency hospital admission for older people in the UK and can have long-term consequences.

Around one third of adults over 65 and around half of adults over 80 will fall at least once a year. Around one in 10 falls will result in a fracture.¹⁰⁹

Fractures increase morbidity, and people who have hip or vertebral fractures have a decreased life expectancy.¹¹⁰

People who fall may have a number of physical and environmental factors which contribute to future risk of falling. A multi-factorial falls assessment will include areas such as:

• lighting
• walking surfaces/ trip hazards
• eyesight
• health conditions including balance
• intake of alcohol and other substances
• medication