Falls are the leading cause of injury‐related deaths and hospitalizations for BC seniors and due to an aging population, falls-related hospitalizations have been steadily increasing since 2000 for those aged 65 and over.

When an older person falls, it can come at a devastating cost resulting in loss of mobility, a reduced quality of life and, in severe cases, death. The cost to the BC health system is also very high at more than $195 million in direct health care costs in 2009/2010.

Many falls in older adults can be prevented and there are proven interventions and programs that can reduce the physical and financial costs associated with seniors’ falls.

Visit the BC Injury and Research Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) and the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Fall Prevention sites for information and resources for:

• healthcare providers
• caregivers
• patients