Understanding the Falls Experience in People with Intellectual Disability in Western Australia

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Falls have also been identified as a serious health issue which can cause serious physical injuries and fear of falling. People living with intellectual disability (ID) in residential settings have been reported to have a higher incidence of falls and experience falls at a younger age than the general older population. There are existing comprehensive multi-targeted interventions and services for the older mainstream populations, however, its been reported that there are no suitable falls prevention guidelines or specific services targeting people with ID and their care providers. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the nature of falls in people with ID and to identify gaps in recommended falls prevention service pathways that people with ID may face. The study will also investigate the barriers that people with intellectual disability may face in engaging in evidence based falls prevention guidelines. This will allow the development of preliminary recommendations for falls prevention that are specifically targeted for people with ID.