TV3 News 8/8/13

A little ray of sunshine in a pill is playing a big part in reducing the number of falls in New Zealand rest homes.

A programme launched six years ago providing Vitamin D supplements to residents at aged care facilities is being hailed for helping cut falls and the severity of fall-related injuries by strengthening muscle and bones and improving posture and balance.  The Accident Compensation Corporation-led programme is now in 74 per cent of rest homes and retirement villages.

"Falls can have a big impact on older people, severely limiting their mobility and independence. So by avoiding falls, older people can enjoy a much better quality of life," said project manager Lee Henley.

"Older people living in facilities tend to spend less time outside, so they get less Vitamin D through sunlight, which is the main source of the vitamin. The supplements are proving an effective way to redress this imbalance."

Since the Mid-Central District Health Board started the project in 2010 there has been a 32 per cent reduction in aged care residents going to the emergency department with falls-related fractures, and a 41 per cent drop in their hospital admissions due to these fractures.

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew said the programme showed how intervention can improve lives and save health dollars.  "The benefits of preventing falls in older people cannot be overstated. Preventing falls enables older people to maintain their independence and confidence.  "Of older people who suffer a hip fracture, nearly 20 per cent will die within a year. Almost half will require long-term care and half will require help at home," she said.

The project at Mid-Central is estimated to have saved the DHB more than $540,000 through fewer people being seen at the emergency department and a reduction in hospital admissions. 

ACC is looking at extending the programme to elderly not living in aged care facilities.

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