Frequent Fallers
In New Zealand, falls are the most common cause of injury in older people, with one in three adults over the age of 65 experiencing a fall each year. This statistic rises to one in two for those over 80. These falls not only result in physical harm but can also lead to a loss of confidence, increased isolation, and a decline in overall well-being.
One in three adults over 65 in New Zealand fall each year. Identify fall risks early and use the Stay Independent Falls Prevention Toolkit to assess and mitigate falls risk in your patients.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in identifying individuals at risk of frequent falls. Key risk factors include poor balance, muscle weakness, vision problems, and certain medications that can cause dizziness or affect coordination.
The Stay Independent Falls Prevention Toolkit is a resource designed to assist Primary Care Teams in evaluating an individual’s risk of falling and implementing effective strategies to mitigate this risk. Adapted for use in New Zealand by bpacnz in collaboration with the Health Quality and Safety Commission, this toolkit is based on the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative originally developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The toolkit provides practical, evidence-based approaches tailored to the New Zealand healthcare context, helping clinicians to support older adults in maintaining their independence and preventing falls.