April Falls: Raising Awareness and Reducing Fall Risks

April Falls is an annual campaign held in April to raise awareness about the impact of falls and promote best practice falls prevention strategies. This year’s theme, 'Falls Prevention is Everyone’s Business', encourages individuals to engage in exercise programs tailored to their needs and interests. These programs help build confidence, enhance strength and balance and support participants in returning to daily activities, exploring new ones, and engaging in social interactions that improve overall health and wellbeing.

In Australia, falls are a major public health issue. They account for over 37% of all injury related deaths and can result in serious consequences, including head injuries, broken bones, loss of confidence and long hospital stays. What’s even more concerning is that once someone has experienced a fall, their risk of falling again increases. However, the good news is that falls are preventable and there are many strategies to reduce the risk.

How to Reduce Fall Risks

One of the most effective ways to prevent falls is through regular physical activity. To maintain optimal physical and mental health, adults of all ages and abilities should aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. To specifically prevent falls and maintain independence, this should include exercises that improve strength and balance. Research shows that exercise of any type can reduce the risk of falling by 23%.

Poor balance and strength significantly impact a person’s mobility and increase their fall risk. This is particularly relevant for individuals living with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke and Parkinson’s Disease as these conditions often affect coordination, muscle strength and movement control. By improving strength and balance, individuals can lower their chances of experiencing a fall and reduce the risk of serious injury.

Medical factors, such as medications and vision impairments, can also contribute to falls. It’s important to discuss these aspects with a healthcare professional to receive personalised advice on falls prevention strategies.

Home Safety and Falls Prevention

Many falls happen at home due to hazards such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting and clutter. The good news is that these risks can often be minimised with small adjustments, either independently or with the help of family and friends. Simple changes, such as installing handrails, improving lighting or removing trip hazards, can create a much safer environment.

In the video above, Pacific Health & Wellbeing's Senior Physiotherapist, Scott, discusses falls prevention and the importance of a personalised assessment as a vital first step. This allows us to measure your unique risk of falling and provide tailored advice on reducing those risks.

Getting the Right Support

It’s estimated that one in three people aged 65 and over falls each year. While falls can have serious consequences, it’s reassuring to know that small actions can make a big difference. Every movement you make towards improving your balance and strength counts.

At Pacific Health & Wellbeing, our team of Physiotherapists is dedicated to falls prevention. A personalised assessment is a vital first step, as it allows us to measure your unique risk of falling and provide tailored advice on how to reduce those risks. From there, we can guide you on the best exercises and activities to support your health and balance goals.

Pacific Health & Wellbeing offers support for participants on the NDIS and Home Care Package (HCP), as well as those accessing services through Medicare and Private Health funds. Our team is here to help you navigate your options and ensure you receive the care that best meets your needs.