Health Update: After the fall

ELDERLY people at risk of a fall should be taught how to get up from the floor to avoid unnecessary complications, researchers at the Institute of Health and Rehabilitation say. One-third of elderly people living at home fall at least once a year, the researchers warn. Although most escape serious injury, one in five spends more than an hour on the floor before help arrives. This can lead to hypothermia, dehydration, bronchopneumonia and pressure sores, says a report in Age and Ageing.