Reducing the incidence of falls and hip fractures in care homes

A project was developed to provide older residents in care homes with hip protectors if they were at risk of falling. The aim was to reduce the number of hip fractures sustained through falls. During the project it became apparent that care home staff had little knowledge of hip protectors, and felt unable to take steps to prevent falls. The project extended its scope to raise the awareness of falls-risk assessments and prevention strategies, and developing structures through which best practice could be shared between homes.