Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) has released a new Health Insights: Preventing Falls paper, highlighting the growing impact of falls across the region and the need for targeted prevention efforts to support older people to stay safe and independent.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in Australia, with older people most affected. In Gippsland, the impact is even more significant, with the region recording the highest rate of accidental fall-related deaths among all PHN regions nationally.
Across Australia, around one in three people aged over 65 experiences at least one fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for older Australians. These figures reinforce the importance of proactive prevention and early intervention.
Key insights:
- Gippsland recorded the highest rate of falls causing death in Australia (16.7 per 100,000 people compared with 10.5 nationally)
- 1 in 3 people aged 65+ experience a fall each year
- Gippsland has an older-than-average population, with 24.8% aged 65+ (compared to ~16% nationally), expected to grow significantly by 2030
- Falls place significant pressure on the health system:
- 39% of fall-related emergency department presentations are for people aged 65+
- 11% of all emergency department presentations for older people involve a fall
- Falls account for 43% of injury hospitalisations and deaths in Australia
- Fall injuries cost the health system over $5 billion annually
- Around 50% of residential aged care residents fall each year, with higher rates for those living with dementia
Gippsland PHN continues to work with health professionals, service providers and the community to strengthen falls prevention efforts and improve outcomes for older people.
Key initiatives include:
- Regular falls risk screening and assessment
- Strength and balance exercises to improve mobility
- Medication reviews to reduce side effects and overprescribing
- Management of chronic conditions such as dizziness and frailty
- Home safety assessments to reduce hazards
- Multidisciplinary care involving GPs, allied health professionals and pharmacists
- Ongoing support after a fall to prevent recurrence
The paper also highlights a range of services and supports available to support older people to stay safe and independent including early intervention programs, Care Finder services, My Aged Care and Victorian Government falls prevention resources.
Health Insights: Preventing Falls draws on local and national data, alongside consultation with health professionals and community members in Gippsland, to better understand the scale of the issue and opportunities for action.
To view a copy of Health Insights: Preventing Falls, head to the publications section of the Gippsland PHN website.
