| Ken Greig, the project’s development manager, said the falls result in a large percentage of pensioners having to be treated in hospital for severe injuries including fractures and bruising, plus the mental trauma suffered after a fall.
However, up to 50% of falls could be prevented through better risk assessment, experts say.
The alarming statistic illustrates the growing problems of frail elderly people in Scotland, where some 30% of people over the age of 65 in Scotland suffer a fall every year.
At Ninewells Hospital today, the Dundee Older People’s Falls Project organised an information day to promote the message of general health and prevention of falls as part of Help The Aged’s National Falls Awareness Day.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness of the risks of falling and promote falls prevention and general safety.
As well as the personal costs of falls, like loss of independence and confidence, there is also the burden on the NHS and local health services.
“Out of those suffering falls every year, 10-20% require medical attention and 5% of them are admitted to hospital,” Mr Greig said.
He believes that by making people aware of what they can do and regularly giving medical assessments of older people in the community, the burden can be avoided.
“We want to help older people be independent and run their own lives, by helping them the avoid accidents and hazards.
“Increasing awareness and independence will reduce the need for long term support and treatment.
“Given the right kind of assessment we could prevent falls and reduce fractures and the level of people requiring hospital treatment.”
The Dundee Older People’s Fall’s Project is hoping to extend its scheme by developing a Dundee service and strategy which will continue its efforts to enable access to physiotherapy and support.
“We want to intervene before accidents occur by allowing access to the right services at the right time,” said Mr Greig. |
