Falls – The what, why and how to prevent

We have all heard of falls. Most of us know an older person that has recently had a fall.

Whether it be an old friend, the lady down the street or mom and dad. Falls are so common, it feels like they are simply a fact of life.

Falls are frequent and sometimes fatal, but they can be and must be foiled.

What is a fall?

"A fall is defined as an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level"

- World Health Organization (WHO)

That definition is worth reading again.

Anytime someone ends up on a lower surface without the intention to do so, they have had a fall.

Many people overlook instances of falls, particularly if they fell on the bed or sofa. While others even ignore a fall to the floor if they are able to get themselves up and walk away.