Preventing falls this festive season

There’s more than one good reason to spend some time cleaning and tidying at home over the festive season. Not only does it mean a sparkling clean house for the new year, but it also helps prevent slips, trips and falls – a rapidly rising patient presentation seen in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Emergency Department.

In 2023, RBWH saw 158 falls trauma activations, 419 in 2024 and 408 by 31 October 2025 with this number expected to continue to climb.

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Trauma Service Deputy Director A/Professor Frances Williamson said that falls are often considered something that only happens to older people, however the data suggests that under 65-year-olds are just as likely to experience falls as older people.

“Typically we see younger people having higher falls with work or activity, while over 65-year-olds are more likely to fall from standing height and are more susceptible to tripping over loose rugs and items in the house,” she said.

“The older cohort are more likely to receive severe injuries, with chest injuries, head and orthopaedic trauma most frequently seen. These injuries can be devastating for the individual, especially in their ability to return to their normal baseline function.”

Dr Williamson said these older patients often are unable to be discharged home, with most requiring a step down to another hospital, admission to a residential aged care facility or rehabilitation.

“This can be devastating for the patient and their families with a loss of independence, need for nursing home care and the psychological distress that comes with major trauma,” she said.

“We really want older people and their families to be thinking about how they can make their home safer and reduce the risk from trip hazards. This applies to any family or friend’s homes they’re visiting over the festive season, as unfamiliar environments can also create a risk.

“We also want younger people to take additional care when using ladders to clean gutters and take down Christmas lights, or anytime they’re working at height.”

The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) patient Jill Walsh, is encouraging people to take things slower this festive season after she tripped over her 60kg dog rushing out the door to deliver some unwanted clothing to a local charity for Christmas.

The 56-year old broke her hip and fractured her elbow, spending a week at TPCH after undergoing hip replacement surgery.

“I don’t even remember falling. One minute I was walking through my kitchen, the next I was on the ground in pain. I knew something was very wrong and asked my husband to call an ambulance,” Jill said.

“I have always been so fit and active and thought that falling is something that only happens to much older people.

“Having something like this happen has forced me to slow down and be much more cautious. Accidents can happen in a split second and everything changes. I’m just fortunate it wasn’t much worse.”