Citation

Waldron N, Hill AM, Barker A. Aust. Fam. Physician 2012; 41(12): 930-935.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23210114

Abstract

Falls in older people are a major concern in terms of disability, institutionalisation, mortality and socioeconomic burden. An Australian study found 8% of women aged in their 40s, 14% in their 50s, 25% in their 60s and 40% in their 70s had experienced a fall in the previous 12 months. In older adults, up to 30% of falls can result in moderate to severe injuries, such as lacerations, hip fractures and head trauma, resulting in an increased risk of early death. A fall may lead to a fear of falling, avoidance of daily activities, social isolation, lowered quality of life and can precipitate a move to residential aged care. BACKGROUND: Falls increase with age, with substantial patient harm resulting in high healthcare utilisation. High level evidence exists for a range of effective falls prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: To provide an evidence based update of falls prevention recommendations, applicable to the primary care setting. DISCUSSION: For older adults in the community, exercise programs and vitamin D supplementation in those with deficiency are highly effective in preventing falls. Psychoactive drug withdrawal, home visits, vision optimisation and a multifactorial approach are also effective. In residential aged care, routine vitamin D supplementation is highly effective in preventing falls and fractures. General practitioners are well placed to identify those at risk of falls and implement prevention strategies utilising other healthcare professionals as required. The general practitioner's role in educating and supporting patient behaviour change is critical to the uptake of falls prevention recommendations.

Language: en