Stay Safe and Communicate About Fall Risk This April
April Fall's Month kicked off on 1 April and across Healthe Care Central Coast sites we will be sharing tips, information and resources to promote falls prevention.
How fall safe are you and your family? This April Falls Month (1-31 April), Gosford Private Hospital is calling on carers, family members and the community to take action to minimise risk, stay safe and communicate about fall risk.
Each year in New South Wales (NSW) more than 27,000 falls are recorded and nationally, more than 200,000 falls are severe enough to require hospitalisation.
Falls are among the most frequently preventable reasons for injury for most Australians and while age can increase the risk, there are some key issues that can be addressed to reduce falls risk across the board.
According to Gosford Private Hospital Allied Health Manager Blake Downes, falls are preventable and identifying how and why people fall in the hospital and home can make a big difference to overall health and wellbeing.
“April Falls Day and month is an annual campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about the impact of falls, sharing best practice fall prevention strategies and ultimately improving the safety of those at risk of falling,” Mr Downes said.
“During April we will be sharing practical tips, insights and information on how to address and rectify the key common issues which contribute to falls.
“These come down to managing movement and exercise, environment, medication and nutrition.
“By asking others to communicate and move safely we can all play a role in reducing the risk of falls in our community over the long term.”
For more information on April Falls month visit: April Falls Day 2020 - Clinical Excellence Commission (nsw.gov.au)
For information on April Falls Month and resources for older community members visit: April Falls 2021 – NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network (neura.edu.au)