Falls in the elderly leads to an increase in the risk of hospitalisation and a significant health decline. As well as physical injuries suffered, the psychological and social consequences of falling can have an equally huge impact. People who fall may suffer depression, anxiety, isolation and loss of independence. The direct and indirect societal costs of falls are enormous, with the healthcare costs alone in Ireland about €500 million annually. Recurrent falls often result in long term care.

However, the number of falls in Ireland can be reduced by increasing awareness of falls risks. This is where Falls Action will help by improving the accuracy in assessing falls risk and mobility, resulting in more targeted “best in class” clinical interventions.