Falls: Measuring the Impact on Older People

The motion

That the Parliament notes the findings of the WRVS survey, Falls: measuring the impact on older people, which stated that one in three people over 65 falls every year; understands that, in Scotland, 23% of older people reported that they had fallen either at home or outside in the last year and that 20% reported that they had extensive physical injuries as a result; recognises that Scotland has an ageing population and believes that falls and their consequences are a growing concern for people, communities and service providers; considers that a fall can have an impact on an older person's confidence, which can lead to social exclusion and the loss of independence as they might fear leaving their home; further considers that there is a particular need for assistance and support during the winter season as older people are more vulnerable to falls during this time; notes that 28% of respondents to the WRVS survey stated that they avoid going out during the winter because of the fear of falling; acknowledges the key aspects for development noted by WRVS, many of which, it understands, were highlighted in the Up and About or Falling Short report by the National Falls Programme that was published in March 2012 and stated "Scotland still has much to do to provide older people with equitable, high quality services for fall and fracture prevention"; commends the work to date of the National Falls Programme, and hopes that NHS boards, community health partnerships and local authorities will work together to help prevent older people from experiencing a fall this winter and in the future.

No recorded vote on this motion. Most motions are never debated, and many that are debated are agreed without a division. Vote records are published from 2011.

SNP 12 Con 7 Lab 4 Ind 2

Party shown is each supporter’s party when the motion was published.

No contribution in the Official Report cites S4M-04771 by reference.