Falls – services for older people

Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. It is estimated that at least one in three people aged 65 years or over falls one or more times a year.

Most falls happen in and around the home, but they can also happen in residential aged care homes and in hospital. You can prevent or lower your risk of falls by taking some simple safety measures and by managing your health. A range of services is available to help you prevent falls, and to help you if you do have a fall.

Falls can be prevented#

Some risk factors for falls are easy to manage, and when falls do happen, the severity of any injuries can often be reduced. Taking safety measures around your home, or in hospital, and looking after your health and physical wellbeing can make a big difference.

If you feel unsteady, or have a fall – even one that does not cause an injury – make an appointment to discuss it with your doctor.

Services to help you reduce the risk of falling#

In many places, government-funded home support programs provide in-home help to frail older people, younger people with disabilities, and carers. These programs can offer specific help to lower your risk of falling, such as:

• home maintenance – general repairs and house and yard upkeep to reduce trip hazards
• home modification – installing safety aids such as alarms, ramps and support rails

Eligibility for home support is generally based on age (often 65 years or over, and sometimes earlier for some populations) or on living with a disability. Before you receive home support, you will usually have a basic assessment to work out what kind of help you need, how much, and what it might cost. What you pay often depends on your income and the type and number of services you choose. Ask your doctor or local council about the programs available in your area.

Falls prevention in residential aged care#

More than half of all people living in residential aged care have at least one fall each year. Injuries from falls are common, and up to half of these falls cause serious injuries such as fractures.

Falls can be reduced for people in aged care homes by identifying each person’s individual risk factors and developing a care plan to address them. Find out what falls-prevention programs the staff and management at the home have put in place, and ask them to develop a care plan to help reduce your risk of falling.

Falls prevention in hospital#

During a hospital stay, you may be more unsteady on your feet because of illness or surgery, because you are in an unfamiliar environment, or because you are taking new medication. Injuries from falls can lead to a longer hospital stay, so ask staff what is being done to help prevent falls while you are there.

Services to help you if you have a fall#

If you have had a fall and you can reach a telephone, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) for an ambulance.

You may also want to consider a personal alert system in your home. These systems can notify emergency services and carers of an accident, such as a fall, and respond to calls for assistance around the clock. A personal alert system can give you the confidence to keep living in your own home, and offer you and your family greater peace of mind. Different services have different eligibility requirements, so ask about the options available where you live.

Falls and mobility clinics#

Falls and mobility clinics (also called falls and balance clinics) are specialist clinics for people who are having falls or near-falls, particularly where the cause is not known. They provide detailed assessments of your balance and mobility.

Assessments are carried out by a multidisciplinary team, which may include a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, rehabilitation physician or geriatrician. The aim is to:

• work out what is causing you to fall
• help you set up a management plan to prevent future falls
• refer you to medical or allied health professionals for therapy, treatment or ongoing case management

Your management plan might include:

• referrals to physiotherapists or exercise groups
• home safety information and advice
• medication management advice
• counseling

You will usually need a referral from your doctor to attend a falls and mobility clinic.

Key points#

• Falls are a major cause of injury for older people.
• You can prevent or lower your risk of falls with simple safety measures and by managing your health.
• A range of services can help you prevent falls, or help you if a fall happens.
• Some risk factors are easy to manage, and the severity of injuries can often be reduced.
• See your doctor if you feel unsteady or have a fall, even if it does not cause injury.

Where to get help#