Charity to boost orthopaedic services for frail elders
A local charity says funds raised from Operation Santa Claus 2023 will be used to provide more preventative care for elderly people who are prone to falls and fractures. This year's "Magic Moments"-themed Operation Santa Claus, jointly organised by RTHK and the South China Morning Post, is funding 16 good causes.  One of the beneficiaries is St Barnabas’ Society and Home in Western. Founded in 1987, the charity provides a range of services to less well-off members of the community, such as Bible studies, free meals for the elderly, and after-school tutorial classes for children.   Funds raised from the Operation Santa Claus campaign this year will go to the charity's latest project: assessing fall injury risks among the disadvantaged elderly. "Fall injuries are very common in elderly... Even worse, osteoporosis and osteopenia are very common in elderly, especially those underprivileged, leading to fragility fractures like wrist fracture, hip fracture, vertebral collapse and even pelvic fractures after trivial injuries. It may result in severe morbidity or even mortality," said chairman Dr Lui Wai-hee. But because the cost of treatment -- surgery, rehabilitation, and medications -- can be a hefty sum,  the charity will get orthopaedic specialists to hold talks and educate 100 service users about how to prevent falls and fractures from happening in the first place, Lui said. He added that half of the service users will be chosen for a scan to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia, and that those diagnosed will be referred to public hospitals for longer-term care. However, as the wait for a first consultation in public hospitals can be long, Lui said the charity will also offer "interim management" in the meantime. "We have to give them calcium and vitamin supplements and also start anti-restorative medications early. For those with a high risk of fall injuries, we will provide physical therapy like limb exercise and balance training. We will also purchase fall prevention shoes and walking aids for those indicated." To find out more about Operation Santa Claus or to support the campaign, visit the Operation Santa Claus website.