Finding their feet at Falls Prevention course

Falls are one of the biggest health concerns for older Australians. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare¹ says falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalisation in Australia, making up 43% of injury related admissions and 42% of injury related deaths.

So, how can we lower the likelihood of taking a tumble?

MercyCare’s Allied Health Team, consisting of Occupational therapists, Physiotherapist and Allied Health Assistants, coordinate an 8-week Falls Prevention course.  Currently at Mercy Village in Wembley – but keep an eye out for other locations. The course is designed to help people strengthen key muscle groups for balance while learning practical tips and techniques that support their overall health and prevent fall-related injuries.

Why falls prevention matters

If you think falling is something that happens to other people. Think again.

Between 2021 and 2022 more than half of all falls¹ leading to hospitalisation occurred on a single level surface. Mercy Care’s course is designed to reduce the chance of having a fall, by coaching participants through exercises that engage the main muscle groups used for balance and strength.

But it’s not just about the exercise. Participants often absorb tips and tricks for dealing with falls through incidental conversations with staff and other participants.

Group member Noreen used one of the tips she learned after falling out of bed one night.

“I remembered Nicola, the Occupational Therapist, telling the group that if it happens and you can’t get up using the techniques, don’t panic, just reach up for your bed clothes if you can, and bring them down to the ground to keep yourself warm,” she says.

“Get comfortable and sleep on the floor, and then in the morning try to pull yourself up when you can see everything clearly or call for assistance if you can.”

What to expect

Each class is designed to provide people with the gentle encouragement and skills they need to improve their balance and prevent falls. Allied Health Professionals or Allied health Assistants are on hand to ensure you receive the care and attention you need, and exercises are individualised to cater for specific needs by experienced therapists.

During class, participants move around different stations, where they practice exercises aimed at strengthening the core muscle groups used for balance. Just some of these exercises include weightlifting, upper body resistance, chair rises and squats.

Participants also learn simple steps for lowering their risk of falling, based on strategies from the WA Department of Health’s Move Improve Remove campaign, which is run in partnership with Injury Matters.

Who can attend?

The course is open to MercyCare Home Care Package clients. Participants are welcome to attend solo or come along with a friend or family member. Classes are designed to be friendly and fun, with good music and humour on tap. All abilities are welcome, and activities are tailored to the individual needs of each participant.

10 Fall Prevention Tips

1. Remove tripping hazards, such as loose rugs or items laying on the floor.
2. Ensure your home is properly lit, so you have good visibility.
3. Improve your health, by staying active and working core muscle groups that are important for balance.
4. Wear proper footwear with non-slip soles for better grip.
5. Have your medication reviewed by a doctor to ensure it is not making you dizzy.
6. Stand up slowly so your blood pressure does not drop.
7. Use a cane or walking device that is the right size for you, if you feel unsteady.
8. Get enough sleep and try to avoid or limit alcohol, as it can cause balance problems.
9. Wear a Fall Detection Device, which automatically alerts family, caregivers or emergency services if you fall.
10. Have your eyes and ears checked regularly as even small changes in hearing and sight can have a big impact on balance.

Head here for more great falls prevention tips.

Find out more

Interested in learning more about our Falls Prevention courses? Get in touch to find out when the next round of classes will begin. Visit our website to find out more about MercyCare’s Home Care services.