Fall Prevention | Reducing Fall Risks and Enhancing Safety

Fall Prevention | Reducing Fall Risks and Enhancing Safety

Introduction
Falls are the leading cause of hospitalisation injury and death among elderly persons aged 65 and over in Australia according to research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Between 2019 -2020 “falls accounted for 133,000 hospitalisations and 5,000 deaths among older Australians with ⅔ fall hospitalisations occurring among females.

Preventing falls is essential for maintaining independence, safety, and overall well-being. Falls can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences, making prevention a key priority. By identifying risks and implementing effective strategies, individuals, family, and caregivers can create a safer home and community environment.

What Causes Falls?
Falls can result from a variety of factors, including physical limitations, cognitive impairments, environmental hazards, accidents, and medical conditions. Common causes of falls include slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, cluttered living spaces, and physical and cognitive impairments, and poor footwear. Implementing fall prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risk of falls and enhance safety at home.

Recognising Fall Risks
Recognising signs that may indicate an increased risk of falls is crucial for timely intervention. Common indicators include:

Frequent tripping or stumbling
Difficulty balancing or walking steadily
Hesitation or fear when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces
Weakness or fatigue in the legs
Poor footwear or prosthetics
Cluttered environments or mats
Change in medication or comorbidities
Changes in vision or hearing
Cognitive decline (Dementia or ABI)
History of previous falls, which is a strong predictor of future falls

How Occupational Therapists (OTs) Assist in Fall Prevention

Conducting Home Assessments: OTs assess the home environment to identify potential fall hazards and risks, considering factors like layout, lighting, and accessibility in each area of the home.
Developing Personalised Safety Plans: They create tailored fall prevention plans that include strategies for home modifications, safe mobility practices, and recommendations for specific assistive devices where necessary.
Education on Fall Risk and Prevention Techniques: OTs provide education on fall prevention techniques, including proper footwear, safe walking practices, and the effective use of mobility aids. They may also teach exercises to improve strength and balance.

Fall Prevention Strategies and Tips

Conduct a Comprehensive Home Assessment: Thoroughly assess the home environment to identify potential hazards and areas for improvement. Consider both indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly entryways and paths to commonly used areas.
Declutter Living Spaces: Keep walkways and living areas free of clutter and obstacles that may pose tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and small furniture.
Improve Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, especially in stairways, hallways, and entryways. Consider using motion-sensor lights or night lights to improve visibility in low-light areas.
Install Safety Features: Use non-slip mats in the bathroom, install grab bars in showers and near toilets, and ensure handrails are securely in place on staircases.
Wear Proper Footwear: Encourage the use of supportive, non-slip shoes to reduce the risk of slipping and falling, and avoid loose or backless footwear like slippers or flip-flops.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fall Prevention

Conduct a Fall Risk Assessment:
Evaluate the individual’s mobility, balance, and overall health to identify specific fall risks. Consider factors such as medications that may cause dizziness, chronic conditions affecting movement, and past fall incidents.
Identify Home Hazards:
Perform a thorough inspection of the home, noting potential hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways. Include outdoor areas, where uneven surfaces and steps may also pose a risk.
Develop a Fall Prevention Plan:
Create a tailored plan that addresses identified risks and outlines specific strategies to enhance safety. This may include a combination of environmental modifications, assistive devices, and personalised exercise routines.
Implement Necessary Modifications:
Make essential modifications to the home environment, such as rearranging furniture, adding grab bars, and improving lighting. Consider removing or securing loose rugs and installing non-slip treads on stairs.
Encourage Regular Exercise:
Promote activities that improve strength, balance, and flexibility, such as yoga, tai chi, or physical therapy exercises. These activities can help build confidence and reduce the fear of falling.
Review Medications with Healthcare Providers:
Consult with healthcare providers to review medications for side effects that may impact balance or coordination. Adjustments or alternative medications may help reduce fall risk.
Educate Family and Caregivers:
Provide education and resources to family members and caregivers about fall prevention strategies and how to assist individuals at risk. Empowering caregivers to recognise fall risks and safely support mobility is essential for effective prevention.
Regularly Monitor and Adjust the Plan:
Continuously assess the home environment and individual needs, making adjustments to the prevention plan as necessary. Regular check-ins can help address new risk factors, such as changes in health or medication, that could affect balance and mobility.

Conclusion: Falls prevention is essential for maintaining safety and independence at home. By recognizing risks, implementing effective strategies, and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls. For personalised advice or assistance in developing a falls prevention plan, please contact us at Belong Health.

Our Values in Practice
At Belong Health, we prioritise safety, independence, and well-being in our approach to fall prevention. Rooted in compassion, integrity, and individualised care, we create tailored strategies that reduce fall risks and empower you to move confidently in your daily life. Whether you’re in Mandurah, Rockingham, Perth Metro, or connecting with us through telehealth, our team is dedicated to providing ongoing support, guidance, and personalised solutions to help you or your loved ones stay safe and active at home and in the community.

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Explore Home Therapy Packs
Our guides provide practical strategies to support children facing these challenges. To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, designed to engage children and improve focus at home.
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Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider

Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from.

Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list.

Belong Health Occupational Therapist & NDIS Support Coordination

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

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OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

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