Celebrity chef Maggie Beer hospitalised after fall

Revered celebrity chef and aged care advocate Maggie Beer is recovering in hospital following a fall at her home in the Barossa Valley.

Ms Beer, 79, suffered several injuries, including multiple fractures, according to a post on her official Instagram account by the food author’s family.

“Just writing to let you know that following a fall at her home, she’s unfortunately suffered a couple of minor bone fractures and related injuries,” her family wrote, alongside a photo of Ms Beer smiling.

“Thankfully Col, her husband, was there and she is now in the excellent hands of her doctors who are confident she will make a full recovery.”

But it will not happen overnight, the family said, adding that Ms Beer was sorry for “letting people down.”

“More than anything else, Maggie hates letting people down. But she has multiple events and public engagements coming up that she may have to miss.

“She has asked us to apologise on her behalf to all those affected - and has asked for your patience as she recuperates.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report shows that incidents like these were the leading cause of hospitalised injuries and injury deaths among older Australians between 2019-20.

Serious falls are more likely to occur at home, and women are more likely to be hospitalised, with almost two thirds of patients being female.

Related stories: New study to ‘transform’ falls prevention | Australian-first aged care falls prevention trial

Among Maggie Beer's many accolades as an author, restaurateur and TV personality, she is a long-time advocate for quality food in aged care facilities.

Following devastating findings of widespread neglect and malnutrition by the Aged Care Royal Commission, she embedded herself in an aged care residence for some four months to overhaul the residents’ meals.

Beer has released online masterclasses for aged care cooks and chefs, offering essential guidance on how to create a pleasurable dining experience, as well as hosting her own show on the topic; Maggie Beer's Big Mission.

“The cook or chef has to be empowered with knowledge because what we want is a beautiful meal full of equal measures of pleasure and nutrition," Ms Beer said.

“We also have to give cooks and chefs the support and time they need, because they work so hard in an incredibly complex role."

Read more: "Make every mouthful count:" Maggie Beer transforms aged care food | 'It's about empowerment': Maggie Beer launches online masterclass | Maggie Beer’s aged care eating mission is feel-good TV – but is it a recipe for real change?

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