Abstract:

Admissions to hospitals in NSW for a fall related injury, particularly amongst older people, costs an estimated $324.2 million per year. No single other injury cause costs the heatlh system more. The age group with the highest fall related injury costs are persons aged 75 or older. Predicting the cost to NSW health suggests that these costs will escalate to $644.7 million by 2050 which translates to and estimated additional four 200 bed acute care facilities and 1200 new nursing home places stemming from fall injury just to accomodate the demographic change. NSW Health needs to act to manage this risk now. The root of the problem most likely lies in physical activity and diet. Investment in fall injury management should be made with a view to not just managing the financial risk but also reducing fear, pain, isolation in older people whilst increasing independence and well being.