April 2008

Prevention focus for Peninsula Health on April Falls Day

Pat Banson doesn’t know exactly how it happened but remembers it vividly.

The 76-year-old McCrae resident was making her bed when her foot got caught in the sheets on the floor, causing her to lose balance and trip over.

She remembers an agonising pain shooting up her back.  

Suffering from a fractured sacrum (a bone near the tail end of the spine), Mrs Banson spent several days in hospital undergoing rehabilitation. 

Unable to walk properly and complete simple tasks, she was forced to stay with her daughter. 

Three months on, Mrs Banson finally believes the pain is subsiding—she is able to resume her normal lifestyle but is fearful of a repeat episode.

‘It happened so quickly and the pain was terrible—making the bed is such an easy little thing. 

‘I remember becoming quite depressed because I found it hard to move around and wasn’t allowed to drive,’ Mrs Banson said.

‘Pat’s story is quite common,’ said Rosebud Community Rehabilitation Centre Physiotherapist Selina Ho. 

‘In Victoria, falls are the leading cause of injury among older people. 

‘One in three people over 65 and one in two over 80 suffer a fall at least once a year.

‘They account for one-third of hospital admissions and one-fifth of fatal injuries, costing our health system hundreds of thousands of dollars every year,’ Ms Ho said.

For older people, a fall may cause serious injury and reduce the ability to remain independent in the community. 

It can cause immense personal suffering, affecting quality of life and leading to restrictions in activity and social isolation.

‘While Pat has been able to move on from her fall, many older people do not, having suffered too big a scare and loss of  confidence. 

‘Many are unable to complete daily tasks and avoid taking part in recreational activities due to the fear of falling again,’ said Ms Ho.   

The number of older people on the Mornington Peninsula is one of the highest and fastest growing in Victoria and falls prevention is a major priority for Peninsula Health. 

During Falls Prevention Week, staff across Peninsula Health promoted the importance of falls prevention in the community. 

‘On April Falls’ Day, April 1, we asked people to think of the factors that put them at risk of falls,’ said Ms Ho.

‘Things such as poor vision and balance, incorrect footwear, poor reaction times and hazards around the house, such as loose rugs and obstacles on the floor all contribute to the risk of falls. 

‘They may seem little but, as with Pat, falls can happen easily and unexpectedly.’

Tips to help prevent the risk of falls include:

•           Managing health and medications;

•           Being physically active;

•           Improving balance and walking tall;

•           Wearing correct and safe footwear; 

•           Identifying and removing hazards from around the house such as loose mats and clutter or obstacles on the floor.

Significant steps have been taken at Peninsula Health to help improve the care for older people. 

Last year an Inpatient Falls Program was established to help prevent the risk of falls in hospitals. 

The Agestrong program, which is a strengthening program designed for older people, was conducted at 10 different venues across the Peninsula and in eight wards within Peninsula Health’s inpatient and residential care facilities.