Which consequence of a fall is most associated with increased resource use?

Which consequence of a fall is most associated with increased resource use?

• A. TBI
• B. Hip Fractures
• C. Fall
• D. AMPAC

Answer: (B)

When an older adult falls, several outcomes can follow, but the one that most drives increased health-care resource use is a hip fracture. A hip fracture typically requires surgical repair and an inpatient hospital stay, followed by intensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and often discharge to a skilled nursing facility or dedicated rehab program. These steps create a cascade of services, longer stays, and higher costs, as patients require postoperative care, pain management, and potential management of complications. While traumatic brain injury can also demand substantial resources, hip fracture generally leads to the largest and most predictable surge in care needs after a fall. The fall itself is the triggering event, and AMPAC is a functional assessment tool, not a consequence.

When an older adult falls, several outcomes can follow, but the one that most drives increased health-care resource use is a hip fracture. A hip fracture typically requires surgical repair and an inpatient hospital stay, followed by intensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and often discharge to a skilled nursing facility or dedicated rehab program. These steps create a cascade of services, longer stays, and higher costs, as patients require postoperative care, pain management, and potential management of complications. While traumatic brain injury can also demand substantial resources, hip fracture generally leads to the largest and most predictable surge in care needs after a fall. The fall itself is the triggering event, and AMPAC is a functional assessment tool, not a consequence.