Media Release Mar 28 2008

April Falls’ Day

It may be an amusing play on words but April Falls’ Day is serious business.

Each year one in three people over sixty-five years and one in two people over 80 years of age will experience a fall.

This is an alarming statistic as some of these falls can result in a long-term disability or a full-term loss of independence.

Falls cost more to the health system then any other single cause. In NSW falls are the leading cause of injury amongst older people

On Tuesday, 1 April, all hospitals in Northern Sydney Central Coast Health (NSCCH) will celebrate April Falls Day 2008. Ryde Hospital will host the launch of the Area Health Service Falls Prevention and Management Policy.

“For our older residents, a serious fall may reduce the ability to remain independent in the community and for the frail. A fall is often the precipitating event that brings a person into permanent residential care,” said Margaret Armstrong, NSCCH Falls Prevention Coordinator.

“The prevention of falls in older people in our hospitals and in the community is crucial. Most falls are predictable and often preventable.”

Falls can affect the ongoing quality of life for an elderly person, leading to severe restrictions in activity and, as a consequence, social isolation.

Properly prescribed glasses, appropriate medication, walking aids, regular physical activity and weight maintenance, close fitting shoes and slippers, good lighting and care around steps and floor coverings can help reduce falls both at home and in hospital settings.

The purpose of April Falls’ Day is to increase community awareness and to help health care staff assist older people to stay fall-free in hospital.

The launch will take place:
Time: 9.30 am - 10.00 am
Date: Tuesday 1st April
Location: The Chattery, Ryde Hospital, Denistone Road, Eastwood

Photo opportunity: physical activity demonstration.

Media Contact: Emily Saker 9926 8313 / 0404 054 160

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