The development of a nationwide strategy to combat elderly people sustaining falls in the home is under way. Falls in the home are one of the biggest health and safety risks facing older people in Ireland today, according to the National Council on Ageing and Older Persons.
The council is developing the strategy in conjunction with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The strategy is due to be published by the end of the year and then implemented by the Government.
Anna De Siún, health research consultant with the council, said the strategy would focus on promoting physical activity among elderly people. "There is a strong focus on health promotion and exercise. Strengthening limbs can greatly improve balance and reduce the possibility of falls. The strategy will take a lifestyle approach and focus on how to keep bones healthy."
She added that the psychological consequences older people faced when recovering from a bad fall would be examined. "A lot of elderly people can become quite fearful of going out again. Dealing with a loss of independence can be very difficult and elderly people naturally want to stay living at home as long as possible. So we will be also looking at the social, personal and psychological impact of falls."
While measures are in place in various parts of the country to prevent older people sustaining falls at home, this is the first time a national strategy has been undertaken, she said.
"It needs to be addressed on a national level. Falls are one of the most serious threats facing elderly people today."
Promoting awareness among older people about what to do in the event of a fall and the importance of always seeking medical advice, regardless of how minor the fall might have been, is to be addressed in the strategy.
"Reporting of falls needs to be increased. We also want to raise awareness about hazards in the home. Loose rugs and patterned carpets are potential hazards," Ms De Siún said.
Earlier this month, two inquests were held at Dublin City Coroner's Court into the deaths of elderly women who died following falls at home. In one case, a 77-year-old woman fell and fractured her hip but did not inform anyone about the incident for several days. She later died from medical complications arising from the fall.
The strategy will also focus on the care elderly people receive after a fall and examine the follow-up treatment procedure.
"We are trying to identify needs. We want to find out how many elderly people have falls every year and map the services available.
"Also, we will look at the assessment process to ensure that people don't have a second one," Ms De Siún said.
Friends of the Elderly recommends that older people should contact Security of the Elderly to inquire about a personal pendant alarm in case of a fall. Government grants are available for security pendants and greater utilisation of this service would help prevent elderly people lying for hours and even days until they are discovered, according to Niamh Macken, co-ordinator with the voluntary group.