"Domino Effect": Functional Decline and Increased Social Care Needs After a Fall
4 hours ago
- Falls in older adults are a critical turning point that can lead to functional decline and increased need for social care.
- An index fall (first fall with no recent history) is associated with a 71% higher risk of functional impairment among previously independent individuals.
- Nearly 12% of older adults who experience an index fall develop functional impairment within two years.
- Index falls nearly triple the likelihood of requiring home care and increase monthly home care hours.
- Index falls are linked to higher rates of future falls-related emergency department visits and fractures, but not more GP visits.
- Even a single fall may signal a major shift in health trajectory, emphasizing the need for proactive fall prevention strategies.