Falls

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Falls are the largest cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people, and significantly impact on long term outcomes, often contributing to people having to move from their own home into long-term nursing or residential care [1]. 

The highest risk of falls is in those aged 65 and above. It is estimated that about 30% people aged 65 and above living at home will experience a fall at least once a year, increasing to 50% of people aged 80 and above living at home or in residential care [2]. Falls that results in injury can be very serious - approximately 1 in 20 older people living in the community experience a fracture or need hospitalisation after a fall. Falls and fractures in those aged 65 and above account for over 4 million bed days per year in England alone, at an estimated cost of £2 billion [3]. 

Individuals aged 65 and above in Waltham Forest experience a lower rate of emergency hospital admissions due to fall-related injuries compared to the average rates in England and London. The rate in Waltham Forest is 1,604 per 100,000 population, while the average rates for England and London are 2,100 and 2,187 per 100,000, respectively.

Source:  OHID Public Health Outcomes Framework. Data from Hospital Episode Statistics. Date accessed: 27 April 2023. 

[1] Department of Health (2012).Improving outcomes and supporting transparency. Data accessed 12 May 2023 

[2] National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2017). Falls in older people: assessing risk and prevention. Data accessed: 12 May 2023 

[3] Royal College of Physicians (2011). NHS services for falls and fractures in older people are inadequate, finds national clinical audit.  Data Accessed 12 May 2023