Fall-related injuries in Australia’s residential aged care facilities may be costing the health system $325 million each year, according to a new study by the University of Queensland (UQ).
The research, led by Dr Charles Okafor from UQ’s Centre for Health Services Research, found that falls accounted for 20% of the annual expenditure on aged care residents between 2021 and 2022.
“We monitored 303 residents aged over 65 in aged care facilities in New South Wales and Western Australia and found the average cost of a fall resulting in injury was around $2,500,” said Dr Okafor.
“Out of 281 residents who experienced falls, only 119 sustained injuries. However, the potential cost of these injuries to Australia’s healthcare system was estimated at $325 million annually.”
The study identified body mass index (BMI) and gender as major factors contributing to a higher risk of fall-related injuries.
“We found that male residents were twice as likely to suffer a fall-related injury.”
Dr Charles Okafor from UQ’s Centre for Health Services Research.
“Additionally, residents with a normal BMI were at higher risk, possibly because they are more independent and less closely monitored than those who are overweight, underweight, or less mobile.”
Dr Okafor emphasised that the fall risk profile differs significantly for individuals living in the community versus those in aged care facilities, calling for tailored prevention approaches for each population.
While a national prevention strategy exists through the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society, Dr Okafor highlighted the need for a more targeted approach for aged care settings.
“Programs like the National Ageing Research Institute’s falls prevention workshops in residential aged care could serve as effective models for nationwide implementation,” he said.
Dr Okafor suggested that collaboration with stakeholders is critical to identifying the training needs of aged care staff, addressing their challenges, and implementing cost-effective strategies.
The research, which spotlight the significant financial and human impact of falls in aged care, has been published in The BMJ.
