Overview

Falls prevention with senior citizens

The preventable nature of falls presents an opportunity for health and community organisations to work in partnership to integrate their health promotion approach to preventing falls. Multi-faceted falls prevention projects are the most effective because they use a range of strategies and interventions to prevent falls in the community, in residential aged care and in acute and sub-acute care settings.

Evidence-based interventions and strategies that have been linked to a reduction in falls include:

• Provision and promotion of physical activity that focuses on improving balance and strength, such as Tai Chi.
• Individually tailored home exercise programs conducted by a trained professional.
• Home environment assessment and modification undertaken by a professional.
• Screening for the multiple personal and environmental risk factors associated with falls.

HealthWest’s key partners are:

• Melton Shire
• Brimbank City Council
• ISIS Primary Care
• Djerriwarrh Health Service
• Royal District Nursing Service
• Department of Health (Aged Care, North and West Metro Region)
• National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)

Objectives and Activities

• Increase whole-of-community awareness and understanding that falls are not an inevitable part of ageing.
• Ensure availability of a range of suitable physical activity options for older people across HealthWest’s catchment.
• Development of resources for community and health professions that encourage the prevention of falls.
• Falls prevention training for local government aged care officers and health professionals.

Reports

For a summary of HealthWest’s whole-of-community falls prevention approach and initiatives please contact HealthWest.

Resources

HealthWest has developed a range of Falls Prevention Resources, some of which are specific to each local government area in the HealthWest catchment.