Elderly falls cut by more than half by expert help

THE number of falls among the elderly can be cut dramatically if people are shown simple techniques to look after themselves, researchers claimed yesterday.

Balance training, home adaptations and practice in getting up quickly can cut the number of falls by 55 per cent, they said.

Falls for the elderly can lead to lengthy hospital stays and are much more likely to prove fatal than in younger people.

A quarter of over-70s fall each year, with nearly half of over-80s suffering falls. Half of these go on to have another fall.

Nottingham University researchers examined 204 people aged over 60 living at home or in residential care as part of the study, published online in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

They were split into two groups, with one receiving support and advice from fall experts. This group was taught strength and balance training by a physio, had an assessment of hazards and received any necessary home adaptations.

The study found a 55 per cent drop in the rate of falls among people given support compared with the control group.