Prevalence of falls in seniors

• 30% of those over 65 fall each year

• Half are repeat fallers

• Falls go up with each decade of life

• Over half of those in nursing homes and hospitals will fall each year

• 15% of those over 65 have trouble walking

• 1/4 men and 1/3 women over age 85 have difficulty with walking

Impact of hip fractures

• 1% of falls result in hip fracture

• $12 + billion in medical costs annually

• 25% die within 6 months

• 60% have restricted mobility

• 25% remain functionally more dependent

Falls are caused by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors

• Medical condition

• Impaired vision and hearing

• Age-related changes

• Medications

• Improper use of assistive devices

• Environment and household layout or living space

Causes of falls in residential care

• Generalized weakness................................31%

• Environmental hazards................................27%

• Sudden changes in blood pressure...........16%

• Acute illness such as respiratory

• or urinary tract infections................................5%

• Gait or balance disorders..............................4%

• Drugs...............................................................5%

• Other or unknown..........................................10%