Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury and hospitalisation among older adults, creating considerable pressure on individuals, families, and the health-care system. Beyond the immediate physical harm, falls often trigger a cascade of complications, including loss of independence, increased reliance on caregivers, and transitions into long-term care. As populations age, the cumulative impact of falls is becoming an increasingly urgent public health and economic concern.
New research led by Jennifer Davis at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, highlights a compelling solution. The findings demonstrate that investing in targeted fall prevention for older adults at high risk not only reduces injuries but also delivers substantial financial returns. In essence, relatively modest upfront investments can prevent far more costly downstream health-care use.
Dr Davis, a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Applied Health Economics and an associate professor in the Faculty of Management, specialises in evaluating the economic impact of clinical interventions. Her work integrates economic analysis into randomised controlled trials, examining both cost-effectiveness and cost-utility across areas such as falls prevention, cognitive health, and chronic disease management.
Her most recent study, published in Maturitas, presents a 12-month cost analysis of the Falls Prevention Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. The results show that each dollar invested in the clinic generates meaningful financial and health returns. By intervening early—before additional falls, fractures, or complications occur—the clinic significantly reduces the need for emergency visits, hospital admissions, and long-term care placement.
The clinic is a referral-based, research-informed service designed for adults aged 65 and older who are at high risk of falling. Many patients arrive with a history of repeated falls—on average, three within the previous year. Through comprehensive risk assessments and tailored interventions, the clinic addresses underlying risk factors while supporting independence and mobility. A core component is a personalised exercise programme delivered by a physiotherapist, focusing on progressive strength and balance training proven to reduce falls.
The outcomes are striking. The programme reduced falls by 36 per cent and produced a return on investment estimated between 500 and 2,700 per cent. In a single year, the clinic generated nearly one million dollars in health-care savings while operating with relatively modest costs, including approximately $103,000 for physiotherapy staffing. These findings illustrate how targeted, evidence-based enhancements to existing care models can yield substantial clinical and economic benefits while reinforcing the importance of prevention in sustaining health systems.
More information: Jennifer C. Davis et al, Twelve-month cost analysis of a geriatrician-led falls prevention clinic in Canada, Maturitas. DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2026.108862
Journal information: Maturitas Provided by University of British Columbia Okanagan campus
