Accidents in older people living at home: a community-based study assessing prevalence, type, location and injuries

Objectives: To assess the prevalence, type, location of and injuries from home accidents, including falls and other accidents, and to explore whether variables including socio-demographic characteristics, medication use and home hazards were associated with all home accidents and falls. Method: 657 older people were interviewed about accidents in the previous four weeks. For a subsample (n=425), a home hazard check was completed. Results: Of the 101 accidents reported, 51% (n=51) were tails and 50% (n=50) were other accidents. The most common location for all accidents was outside (30%). Most resulted in minor injury to the legs (43%) or arms (39%). Medical treatment was sought for 14% of accidents. Having more than five hazards and infrequent home visits by healthcare providers were associated with having at least one accident and at least one fall. Use of a walking aid was also associated with falling. Conclusion: Rates of falls and other accidents are considerable. Implications: Work is required to confirm the importance of the relationships suggested and to provide data on the burden of injury associated with non-fall accidents.