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Accidents in older people living at home: a community-based study assessing prevalence, type, location and injuries
S E Carter1, E M Campbell, R W Sanson-Fisher
1Hunter Centre for Health Advancement, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend, New South Wales 2287. scarter@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Objectives:
To assess the prevalence, type, location of and injuries from home accidents, including falls and other accidents, and to explore whether variables including socio-demographic characteristics, medication use and home hazards were associated with all home accidents and falls.
Method:
657 older people were interviewed about accidents in the previous four weeks. For a subsample (n = 425), a home hazard check was completed.
Results:
Of the 101 accidents reported, 51% (n = 51) were falls and 50% (n = 50) were other accidents. The most common location for all accidents was outside (30%). Most resulted in minor injury to the legs (43%) or arms (39%). Medical treatment was sought for 14% of accidents. Having more than five hazards and infrequent home visits by healthcare providers were associated with having at least one accident and at least one fall. Use of a walking aid was also associated with falling.
Conclusion:
Rates of falls and other accidents are considerable.
Implications:
Work is required to confirm the importance of the relationships suggested and to provide data on the burden of injury associated with non-fall accidents.