Falls Risk Assessments
Occupational Therapy Falls Risk Assessment at Belong Health

Falls can have a significant impact on a person’s safety, independence, and confidence in everyday life. For some individuals, the risk of falling may increase due to changes in mobility, balance, cognition, health conditions, or the home environment.
At Belong Health, our Occupational Therapists provide falls risk assessments to help identify factors that may increase the likelihood of falls and recommend practical strategies to support safety and independence.
Falls risk assessments can be completed as a stand-alone service or as part of a broader Occupational Therapy assessment.

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What Is a Falls Risk Assessment?
A falls risk assessment is an Occupational Therapy assessment that explores factors that may contribute to a person’s risk of falling in everyday environments.
The assessment focuses on how a person moves, interacts with their environment, and completes daily activities safely.
It may consider:

• mobility and balance
• strength and coordination
• cognitive factors such as attention and judgment
• environmental risks within the home or community
• use of equipment or mobility aids
• daily routines and habits

The goal is to identify modifiable risk factors and provide recommendations that support safe participation in daily activities.

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Who Falls Risk Assessments May Be Helpful For
Falls risk assessments may be beneficial for:

• older adults experiencing changes in balance or mobility
• individuals who have had recent falls or near misses
• people with neurological conditions
• individuals recovering from injury, surgery, or illness
• people experiencing dizziness or reduced confidence when walking
• individuals living alone or aiming to maintain independence at home
• NDIS participants requiring safety assessments
• people transitioning from hospital to home

Assessments can also be helpful proactively, before a fall occurs.

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Common Risk Factors for Falls
Falls often occur due to a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
Some common contributors include:

Physical Factors

• reduced strength or balance
• changes in mobility
• fatigue or reduced endurance

Environmental Factors

• cluttered walkways
• poor lighting
• unsafe bathroom setups
• uneven surfaces or flooring

Cognitive Factors

• reduced attention
• impaired judgment
• difficulty recognising hazards

Health and Medical Factors

• medication side effects
• dizziness or vertigo
• chronic health conditions

Understanding these factors allows Occupational Therapists to provide targeted recommendations.

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How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational Therapists focus on how people safely engage in everyday activities.
Through a falls risk assessment, an OT may:

• identify individual fall risk factors
• assess how the home environment impacts safety
• evaluate how daily activities are performed
• recommend strategies to reduce risk
• suggest equipment or home modifications where appropriate
• support confidence and independence in movement

Occupational Therapy aims to support safe participation, not restrict activity unnecessarily.

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What the Assessment Process May Involve
A falls risk assessment may include several components depending on the individual’s needs.

​Background Information
The Occupational Therapist may gather information about:

• history of falls or near falls
• current mobility and routines
• medical background
• concerns from the individual or family

​Functional Assessment
​The OT may observe how the individual performs everyday tasks such as:

• walking and transferring
• navigating the home
• using stairs
• completing personal care tasks

Environmental Assessment
The therapist may assess the home or environment for potential risks, including:

• flooring and surfaces
• lighting
• bathroom safety
• furniture layout
• access points and entryways

Equipment Review
If applicable, the OT may review:

• mobility aids
• assistive equipment
• footwear or supports

Falls Risk Assessment Report
A report may be provided outlining:

• identified fall risk factors
• environmental considerations
• functional observations
• practical recommendations
• equipment or modification suggestions

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Practical Strategies That May Be Recommended
Recommendations are tailored to the individual and may include:

• environmental modifications to reduce hazards
• installation of grab rails or supports
• changes to routines or task setup
• safe movement and transfer strategies
• equipment recommendations
• lighting improvements
• education for carers or support workers

All strategies are based on individual needs, goals, and environment.

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Falls Risk Assessments and NDIS
For NDIS participants, falls risk assessments may be used to support:

• safety within the home
• recommendations for assistive technology
• home modifications
• support planning

Recommendations are linked to functional needs and goals, and funding decisions are determined by the individual’s NDIS plan.

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Related Assessments and Supports
Falls risk assessments may be completed alongside other Occupational Therapy assessments, including:

• Functional Capacity Assessments
• Home Safety Assessments
• Cognitive Assessments
• Assistive Technology Assessments

This helps provide a more comprehensive understanding of safety and independence.

Next Steps
If you or someone you support is at risk of falling or has experienced a recent fall, a falls risk assessment may help identify ways to improve safety and confidence in daily activities.

Belong Health offers falls risk assessments across Western Australia through:

• home visits
• community-based assessments
• clinic appointments where appropriate

Our team can help guide you through the process and recommend practical strategies tailored to your situation.
Contact Belong Health to learn more or to book a falls risk assessment.

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

Enquire Now

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Download Our Brochure

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Falls Risk Assessments FAQs

What is a falls risk assessment?
​A falls risk assessment is an evaluation conducted by an Occupational Therapist to identify factors that may increase the likelihood of falls and to provide strategies to improve safety.

Who should have a falls risk assessment?
Falls risk assessments may be helpful for older adults, individuals with mobility or balance difficulties, people recovering from injury, or anyone who has experienced a fall or near fall.

Can Occupational Therapists assess fall risk?
Yes. Occupational Therapists assess how physical, cognitive, and environmental factors contribute to fall risk and provide recommendations to support safe daily functioning.

What are common signs someone may be at risk of falling?
​Signs may include:

• unsteady walking
• recent falls or near misses
• difficulty getting up from chairs
• reduced confidence when moving
• cluttered or unsafe home environments

What happens after a falls risk assessment?
After the assessment, the Occupational Therapist may provide a report with recommendations. These may include environmental changes, equipment, or strategies to improve safety and independence.

Can a falls risk assessment help prevent falls?
A falls risk assessment can help identify risk factors and provide strategies that may reduce the likelihood of falls. Outcomes depend on the individual and how recommendations are implemented.

Do I need a referral for a falls risk assessment?
In many cases, a referral is not required. However, some funding pathways or services may request one.

Can this assessment be completed at home?
Yes. Falls risk assessments are often completed in the home environment to accurately assess real-life safety and risks.

​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  

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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. 

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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

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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. 

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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