Record number of injuries from falls in SA public hospitals
A RECORD 21,120 people were admitted to public hospitals because of falls last year and there were 395 deaths due to injuries from falls.
A RECORD 21,120 people were admitted to public hospitals because of falls last year and there were 395 deaths due to injuries from falls.
South Australia’s ageing population is fuelling the rise in fall-related injuries, with 38 older people per day being admitted to hospital for a fall compared to one person a day for injuries from a vehicle accident.
SA Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillip urged people of all ages to be aware of the dangers of falls, saying it is a significant issue especially for older people.
“Last year our public hospitals admitted 21,120 people with falls-related injuries, and more than 65 per cent of these people were over 65,” Prof Phillips said.
“The most common injuries sustained from a fall are hip and leg fractures, which can
have long term impacts on people’s mobility and independence.
“Nearly one fifth of older people who suffered a fall also sustained head or brain injuries
and tragically in 2016 we had 395 deaths from injuries sustained from a fall.
“This highlights the importance of looking out for, and supporting, elderly friends and
relatives who may be at risk of falling.
“It is also is a reminder that while the chance of falls increases as we age, people with
health conditions or a disability, and anyone undergoing surgical procedures or dialysis
can be at a higher risk.”
Hospital admissions due to for falls has been rising steadily, and the latest figure of more than 21,000 people compares to 15,824 admitted in 2013.
Meanwhile, research commissioned by SA Health shows that community attitudes and understanding of what can be done to reduce falls has changed significantly between 2007 and 2015.
The study shows people, especially older adults who had experienced a fall, better understood how to recognise and address risk factors by modifying the home and removing obstacles such as electric cords, having regular eyesight and medication checks, using a walking aid, or doing regular balance exercises.
