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Help with falls prevention
Falls can happen to anyone, but they’re more common and the impact more significant as we get older. They can result in a trip to the hospital or a move into an aged care home.
The likelihood of a fall increases partly because of the natural changes that often happens as our bodies age – our muscles get weaker and our joints stiffer.
The good news is:
- many falls are preventable
- injury from falls can be minimised, and
- ageing does not have to mean a loss of independence.
Am I at risk of a fall?
People often dismiss falls as ‘part of getting older’ or ‘just not concentrating’ but they are often a warning sign that something is not right, so it is important to discuss any fall with your doctor.Read more: Am I at risk of a fall?
Help for people living at home
If you are living at home there are many practical things you can do to reduce your risk of falling. You can also get help or advice to reduce your risk of falling.Read more: About help for people living at home
Falls resources
There are a number of booklets and handbooks that you can read for further information on how to prevent falls and what to do if you fall.Read more: About resources for falls
Useful contacts
There is a wealth of contacts in all states and territories for falls management.Read more: Useful contacts for falls management
Prevention and awareness
No one can predict if, how, where and when you might fall, or how little or much you might be injured. Even though most falls don’t result in serious injury, some people are unable to get up easily without help after falling.Therefore, it is important to think ahead and make a plan of things you can do to safeguard yourself. This will help you to feel safer, more confident and more in control.
Read more: About falls prevention