Premature deaths report focuses on falls
By Darragh O’Keeffe on May 30, 2017 in Industry
Premature deaths report focuses on falls has created fresh calls for a coordinated national falls prevention strategy. In light of new figures showing falls accounted for the vast majority of premature deaths in aged care.
One of Australia’s leading falls experts Professor Keith Hill. Head of the School of Physiotherapy at Curtin University. Professor Hill said he was not surprised. By this new analysis showing falls caused 82 per cent of premature deaths in residential care from 2000 to 2013. The research published on Monday in the Medical Journal of Australia. Led by Monash University Professor Joseph Ibrahim. Who reviewed coronial reports to examine the causes of preventable deaths in residential care. It found that of the 21,672 deaths examined. 15 per cent (or 3,289 cases) were premature and potentially preventable. Falls were the most frequent cause of these deaths (82 per cent, or 2,679 cases). Followed by choking (8 per cent, or 261 cases) and suicide (4 per cent, or 146 cases).
Professor Hill, who is a long-time advocate for a national falls strategy. Said there were still gaps in the evidence around what interventions worked.
“We still don’t have anywhere near enough research,” said Professor Hill. Who is part of the team updating the Cochrane review of research into falls in residential aged care.
While there was some good evidence supporting falls prevention initiatives in community care, “the evidence is very light in residential aged care,” he said.
All the literature points to the fact that there is an increased fall rate in Aged Care facilities.
This is somewhere around 6 * times that of those in their own homes.
Why it is important to keep the aged in their own homes & local support networks.
It should be noted that once a person goes into this time of care it must be difficult to maintain a positive outlook as the only way out is probably not one that is looked forward to.
Services like CareCallingNow with daily automated safety and wellness check-in by phone ensures the vulnerable elderly are found quickly usually within one day of a crisis. Reducing the likelihood of death or hospitalisation.
At a cost of just under $1 per day, it is a simple method for Peace Of Mind”
A coordinated strategy should also address staffing issues in residential care – specifically the greater active involvement of allied health professionals in delivering programs for residents, he said.
While falls remain a key issue for seniors living in their own homes, Professor Hill said there are “extra challenges” in residential aged care given the increasing complexity and acuity of residents and greater cognitive impairment.
Responding to Professor Ibrahim’s research, Aged and Community Services Australia CEO Pat Sparrow said it was worth noting that falls are the highest cause of hospitalisation from injury across the whole community.
“This is an area in which the dignity and rights of the older person must be balanced with safety concerns,” she added.
Leading Age Services Australia chief Sean Rooney said residential care providers work with residents and their families to ensure a safe environment while not limiting a resident’s independence or freedoms.
“A good quality of life requires a certain degree of autonomy so residents may make choices that enhance their quality of life, but may also increase the risk of potential harm,” he said.
Article via Ageing Agenda
Professor Ibrahim’s research paper is available to read here
The gentleman in the video above fell in night and wasn’t found for 5 days in his independent living unit. Even though there was full time staff on site no one missed him. Eventually found by his cleaner. He had in hospital for 7 months at the time of the 4 Corners interview.
Even when you in a Care Home it appears you still need to get a daily safety and wellness check in. This call will ensure all is good.
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