| Falls are a major cause of disability
and the leading cause of mortality due to injury in older
people aged over 75 in the UK. Around 30% of over 65's
living in the community will fall per year. 1 in 5 fallers
require medical attention. Around 5% of falls result in
a fracture. Falls can result in a long stay in hospital.
Falls can result in a curtailment of activity, increased
isolation and dependence. Falls can often result in a
'long lie' for a person who is unable to get up from the
floor. This can have potentially serious consequences
such as hypothermia, broncho pneumonia, dehydration and
pressure sores. A 'long lie' of 12 hours or more can seriously
affect a person's recovery from a fall. Falls often result
in fractures (broken bones), most commonly in the hips
and wrists. People with thin bones, as a result of osteoporosis,
are likely to sustain fractures more often. The consequences
of a fall can be described in three categories:
Physical consequences
- Discomfort and pain
- Serious injury
- Ability to look after oneself
- Long term disability
Social consequences
- Loss of independence
- Loss of social interaction
- Loss of home
- Move to residential care
- Financial costs of help/care/hospital
- Decreased quality of life
- Changes to daily routine
Psychological consequences
- Loss of confidence
- Loss of independence
- Fear
- Distress
- Guilt
- Blame
- Anxiety
- Embarrassment
- Depression
|
