FRACTURE COST: Some 60 per cent of injury admissions to hospital in people over the age of 65 years are accounted for by limb fractures, with falls being a leading cause of such fractures.
They are responsible for longer lengths of stay in hospital and are the main cause of death from injury admissions. Could the number of falls be reduced? Is there anything that health professionals or members of the public could be doing to prevent these falls?
For the first time in Ireland, experts from around the world are coming together to debate this important issue. The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology and Gerontology will host an international conference in Ireland to discuss the advances in Balance & Falls Management in the Older Person.
The Conference takes place from May 6th to 8th at the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital Dublin.
While accidental falls occur throughout the life span, death from accidental falls rises sharply in later life. As the world's population continues to age, the number of falls resulting in fractures among older people is increasing. Apart from the human suffering that these falls cause, the cost of treating older people who fall also puts a huge strain on health budgets. The total cost of acute hip fracture rehabilitation in Ireland is 18 million.
SEPARATION HELP: It has long been recognised that the breakdown of a marriage is among the most harrowing of life's experiences, as painful as a bereavement. Beginning Experience is an international peer ministry for divorced, separated and widowed persons.
It has an invitational process designed to facilitate resolution of grief, promote healing, thereby freeing people to rebuild their lives. Group support has proved to be very successful in helping separated and bereaved people to come to terms with the desolation, isolation and feelings of rejection.
A Beginning Experience residential weekend takes place in All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin, on May 14th-16th.
For further information contact: Tel 01 6790556 - 24 hours.
BEREAVEMENT LECTURE: Rabbi Julia Neuberger, the highly- respected public servant, author and broadcaster, will give a public lecture entitled "Making sense of loss when someone close dies" on Thursday at 7.30 p.m. in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. This free lecture is for anyone who has been bereaved or who works with people experiencing loss.
Places can be reserved by phoning (01) 8092589 or (01) 809253950 Email: medicalsocialwork@beaumont.ie. The talk has been arranged by the hospital's social work department as part of its Bereavement Care Service. Its bereavement co-ordinator, Siobhan O'Driscoll pointed out sharing information and discussing experiences of bereavement promotes understanding and normalises feelings and reactions which can be overwhelming and frightening for those that are bereaved.
CRECHE OPENED: Ireland's first not-for-profit hospital creche was officially opened last week at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the National Children's Hospital at Tallaght.
Research conducted by Hospital Local Partnership Committee showed affordable childcare was the main issue on working parent's agenda. The cost and lack of availability of quality childcare places meant some parents found it impossible to fund suitable childcare and were faced with the options of reducing working hours or giving up work entirely.
In response the hospital undertook to establish hospital childcare facilities for babies and toddlers, that were both affordable and flexible, and meeting the stated needs of staff. The creche was designed to reflect the ethos and values of the hospital, so it was decided it would operate on a not-for-profit basis under the control of the hospital with expert external community representation.
DISEASE HIGHLIGHTED: The first World Lupus Day takes place on May 10th. It is hoped to improve awareness of the disease, healthcare services and research into Lupus. It is a chronic autoimmune disease effecting millions of people worldwide. It is under-recognised and under-researched. As with most diseases early detection can help stunt its debilitating affects. Symptoms often mimic that of common illnesses. As a consequence awareness of the disease may save lives.
Lupus causes the body's immune system to produce antibodies that target the body's own healthy cells. At least 5 million people are believed to have Lupus but it strikes women of child bearing age mostly. There are a reported 100,000 new cases every year - though many feel this estimated to be low.
The Irish Lupus Support Group is based at: Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Tel: 01-8724518 - email: lupus@indigo.ie