Falls Prevention & What You Can Do

Each year 30-40% of community-dwelling people aged over 65 years will fall. This increases to 50% in those aged over 80 years. Five to ten percent of these falls will result in major injuries – fracture, head trauma or lacerations.

There are a few simple strategies to follow that will help keep you active and alert and prevent slips, trips and falls.

Keep moving:

  • Exercise will improve posture, strengthen muscles and bones, and improve your balance, overall fitness and wellbeing. Regular walking, stretching at home or swimming can have a positive impact on the health of your muscles and bones.

Monitoring health:

  • Ask your GP to check your health and medication. It is also important to keep the mind active and alert with activities such as puzzles and reading, and fuel the body with the right foods.
  • Review and reduce medication. If you are taking 4 or more types of medications, you can ask your GP for a Home Medication Review. This can help minimise medication-related complications.
  • Implement strategies to minimise risk from postural hypotension. Postural hypotension means your blood pressure drops suddenly when you stand up. To reduce this, try standing up more slowly. Adequate hydration when taking diuretics is also important to maintain circulation.

Remove hazards:

  • Increase confidence by making the home and the garden safer. Wear non-slip footwear, get your eyesight tested regularly and refer to the Vital Home Health Services Home Safety Checklist to reduce hazards.
  • Consider a home visit by an occupational therapist to assess for falls prevention items available through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program. Your GP can provide you with a referral for this.

We are always here to help.

Finally, if you need help or assistance, please ask your friendly nurses at Vital Home Health Services.