A fall is commonly defined as ‘unintentionally coming to rest on the ground, floor or other lower level’. This excludes coming to rest against furniture, wall, or other structure, and also excludes syncope.

One-third of community-dwelling older people fall each year, as do 50% of those aged 85 and over.

Although most falls do not result in serious harm, they are potentially serious, and may result in injury, fear of falling and social isolation.

Falls have a major impact on hospital services, and are an important cause of carer strain and admission to long-term care.

Multifactorial interventions delivered to fallers are effective in reducing falls rates by 25%.