Alison stands firm for April No Falls

It takes a lot to keep 94-year-old Bushland Beach local Alison Annesely down.

Despite having surgery after being rushed to Townsville University Hospital four weeks ago following a fall she had while walking her border collie Jaz, the former art educator was in the gym twice a day to help with her recovery.

Now, with just over a week left of her rehabilitation program before she can go back home, Mrs Annesely wants to share her story to help raise awareness about the risks of falls during April No Falls month.

“It was a day like any other, I was just taking Jaz for a walk when my hip gave in and I fell,” Mrs Annesely said.

“I was able to get up and keep walking and it wasn’t until a couple of hours later when my hip locked up that I knew I had done something to it.

“Fred, my husband, found me and called an ambulance where I was rushed to hospital and had to have a full hip replacement.”

Mrs Annesely said her focus was now on trying to get back home to her husband and dog as quickly as she can.

“I have been told Jaz is a bit lost without me and is always looking for me so I would love to be able to get back home and see him again.

“The recovery from surgery hasn’t been easy, but it has been made easier because I have always led an active lifestyle and ate well,” she said.

Mrs Annesely was one of more than 3,290 people who have presented to Townsville University Hospital’s emergency department during the past 12 months because of a fall. 

Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s falls prevention management clinical nurse consultant Donna Waterhouse said falls from a standing height or less are the leading cause of trauma related injury with medical care response to the hospital. 

“In Queensland, falls are one of the top three triple zero calls to Queensland Ambulance Service,” Ms Waterhouse said.

“April No Falls month is about raising awareness about how big of an issue falls are in the community and encouraging people to make proactive steps to minimise the physical and emotional impact a fall can cause.

“The presentations to the emergency department don’t even take into account the callouts to aged care facilities and people’s homes by our Frailty Intervention Team.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about an active healthy ageing lifestyle, making sure you are getting plenty of physical active movement into your day, while also eating healthy and nutritious meals.

“There’s some misconception that it’s just older people who have falls, but in the last 12 months, more than 55 per cent of people who have presented to the TUH emergency department have been 64 years old or younger.

“If you are at risk of falls then it is about making sure your home environment inside and outside is as safe as possible.

“This could include removing trip hazards like rugs and objects on the floor to keep them clear, non-slip flooring in the bathroom, appropriate day and night lighting and phone within easy reach, chairs with arm rests, and wear well-fitting shoes.

“We want people to take proactive steps towards fall prevention and minimisation, and that can be as simple as having a conversation with your GP or other health professionals.”