Shocking number of residents having falls in Victorian aged care homes revealed

Aged care residents are suffering alarming rates of falls, with one Victorian home recording injuries in three quarters of its residents, while others keep rates close to zero. See the list.

Not enough staff and a lack of exercise are being blamed for the shocking number of aged care residents having falls, with one Victorian facility reporting three quarters of its residents suffered a fall in a three-month period.

Our investigation into falls in aged care homes between January and March, shows huge differences in falls rates between facilities.

In central Victoria, three quarters of residents at Heathcote Health Low Care Service, had a fall. The facility still achieved an overall 4 stars in the aged care ratings.

Three quarters of residents at Heathcote Health Low Care Service, had a fall.

The latest data, which is self reported, shows that on average more than three in 10 residents in Australian aged care homes suffered a fall in the last reported quarter.

Those facilities with no reported falls can also be a red flag, according to experts.

Dr Rik Dawson, from The University of Sydney and an expert in Musculoskeletal Health, said falls are one of the most telling quality indicators in residential aged care and show far more than just “accidents” and that “high fall rates point to gaps in prevention”.

He said falls can include fractures and head injuries, which often lead to hospital stays, rehab, or premature entry into high-care.

Dr Rik Dawson, from The University of Sydney and an expert in Musculoskeletal Health, says falls are more than just accidents and need to be looked at seriously.

A University of Queensland study estimated that 70 aged care residents end up in hospital every day due to falls, potentially costing the taxpayer $325 million a year.

Dr Dawson said physiotherapist-led exercise delivered via telehealth could help solve the problem, but dedicated funding was needed.

“Food and nutrition have improved because they’re funded,” Dr Dawson said. “Exercise and allied health aren’t — and the numbers show it.”

Physiotherapist and managing director of Community Therapy, Scott Lynch said if possible aged care residents should be walking every day and do a program of squats, lunges, weights and balance exercises twice a week, to prevent falls.

He said aged care homes with gyms give residents a better chance of staying strong.

“That’s when physiotherapists can shine because they will have all the tools to help move the needle,” Mr Lynch said. “Being able to do a leg press in the gym is a good way of starting to build up strength.”

Robert Bembrick, 87, still works out with weights to keep himself in the best shape possible. Picture: Adam Yip

He said residents like Robert Bembrick, 87, who lives at Groves House in Newcastle, NSW, and is still working out with weights, are helping to keep themselves safer.

Catalina Gonzalez, Aged Care Director, United Workers Union, said their members believe the biggest risk factor for elderly Australians experiencing falls is due to staff being pulled off care duties to do other jobs.

“When staff are stretched beyond all reasonable limits the ability to safeguard residents is seriously diminished,” Ms Gonzalez said.

Clinical manager physiotherapist Courtney Pearson helps Mr Bembrick in his mission to keep himself safe from falls. Picture: Adam Yip

Aged Care Minister Sam Rae said Labor has mandated 24/7 nursing in aged care homes and mandatory care minutes since coming to government.

The new Aged Care Act starting on November 1, will require providers to identify, monitor and manage high risks better.

Heathcote Health Low Care Service was approached for comment.

In a statement Florence Price Gardens said an internal investigation found the figures had been reported incorrectly and that 44 residents, or 36 per cent of total residents, experienced one or more falls during that period. Facilities are allowed to review their Star Ratings before the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing publishes them.

Originally published as Shocking number of residents having falls in Victorian aged care homes revealed