Katelyn Lane is a senior occupational therapist at the RHH. She spoke to Kylie Baxter live on ABC Radio Hobart, airing on 2/7/25

Series curated by Dr Lila Landowski

Keywords: falls, older Australians, injury prevention, occupational therapy, health care, home safety, exercise, strength training, hospital admissions, community health

Summary

This conversation explores the serious issue of falls among older Australians, discussing the statistics, causes, and prevention strategies. Caitlin Lane, a senior occupational therapist, shares insights on how falls lead to significant health complications and hospital admissions. The discussion emphasizes practical home modifications and the importance of exercise in reducing fall risks, aiming to keep older individuals active and independent.

Takeaways

Every three minutes, an older Australian is hospitalised due to falls.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions.

Common causes of falls include trips over mats and pets.

Simple home modifications can significantly reduce fall risks.

Using nightlights can help navigate safely at night.

A fresh set of eyes can help identify hazards in the home.

Exercise and strength training are crucial for fall prevention.

Staying active in the community helps maintain independence.

Occupational therapists encourage independence for as long as possible.

Keeping older individuals strong and active is essential for their health.

Sound bites

"Simple changes can reduce the risk of a fall."

"A fresh set of eyes can spot hazards."

"Exercise can really help reduce falls."