Falls in older people receiving in-home informal care across Victoria: Influence on care recipients and caregivers

Abstract

Aim: Older people receiving informal care at home appear at high falls risk. This study investigates frequency, circumstances and factors associated with falls risk for older care recipients, and their informal caregivers. Methods: Ninety-six dyads, recruited from caregiver agencies, underwent a home assessment, including falls risk, function, depression, quality of life, self-rated health and carer burden. Results: Care recipients were at high falls risk. In the past 12 months, 58% had fallen and 26% twice or more. Common falls risk factors were polypharmacy, multiple medical conditions and requiring functional assistance. Caregivers exhibited multiple health problems, moderate burden and r..