Falls Prevention Program

A falls prevention program helps older adults, and other people at higher risk, to stay steady and confident on their feet. At least one in three people over 65 living in the community fall each year, so asking for help early is sensible, particularly if you have fallen, nearly fallen or have started to avoid activities.² Our program centres on exercise that challenges your balance, supported by checks of the other things that raise falls risk.

The World Guidelines for Falls Prevention recommend balance challenging and functional exercise, such as sit-to-stand and stepping, in individualised sessions three or more times a week, progressed over at least 12 weeks and continued longer.¹ Australian resources describe the amount differently and separately. WA's Stay On Your Feet campaign suggests 30 minutes of strength and balance exercise on most days,⁴ and Healthy Bones Australia's exercise prescription resource for people with osteoporosis advises building up to at least three hours a week of challenging balance activity.⁵ Your physiotherapist sets a level that is safe and progressive for you, and no program can promise that you will not fall.

We look at exercise together with a check of other things that can raise falls risk.^1,3 That includes a structured review of your medicines, with your doctor or pharmacist, because some medicines raise falls risk and only a prescriber should change them. It also includes vision, where having your eyes checked matters and multifocal glasses are best avoided outdoors. Footwear and foot problems matter, and so do home hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting and clutter.^1,3