Falls Prevention

Falls occur throughout life but as we age the there is a greater risk of injury and disability as a result of falling. Studies have demonstrated that as we get older the more likely we are to experience a fall. One in three people over 65 fall each year, making falls the leading cause of injury related deaths in this age group. A serious fall injury can result in long-term hospitalisation, loss of independence and in some cases premature death. With the rising population of people over 60 years living on the North Coast of NSW, the social and economic impact of falls will substantially increase in the years to come.

A combination of activities aimed at improving lower limb strength, flexibility, balance and endurance provide the most benefit in preventing falls. Being active in some form will reduce the risk of falling, as well as providing many other health benefits to participants.

NCAHS has a long history of successfully implementing innovative proactive strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of falls within the community. These have included evidence based falls prevention programs such as 'Stay on Your Feet' (SOYF) and 'Stay Active Stay Independent' (SASI) project. The Stay On Your Feet ran on the North Coast during 1992-1996. It addressed fall injury risk factors by raising awareness, reducing home hazards and working with clinicians and other health professionals. The Stay Active Stay Independent (SASI) project worked in partnership with a number of organisations including Queensland University of Technology and the New South Wales Department of Veterans' Affairs. The focus of SASI was to develop the types of physical activity opportunities that help improve balance, strength and flexibility. It also offered older people an opportunity to socialise and have fun.

Given the current impact of falls and the likelihood of an increase in falls incidence, the North Coast Area Health Service is committed to ensuring continued efforts in reducing the number of falls in older people. In conjunction with the Management Policy to Reduce Fall Injury among Older People, 2003-2007 developed by NSW Health, the NCAHS have created the Fall Injury and Management Plan, 2005-2008 . This plan takes into consideration that older people live and move between different environments and therefore is focused across the continuum namely acute care, residential aged care and in the community.

Promoting and facilitating evidence based best practice in falls prevention in the community and Health Care settings

Enhancing access to falls prevention information, strategies and activities.
Encouraging older men and women to increase their levels of physical activity and exercise
Facilitating opportunities for this age group to participate in a variety of physical activities.

For additional information please check the NSW Health page and links on Injury Prevention and Falls prevention for general information.

If you are 55 of age or over.

Make regular physical activity an ongoing part of your everyday life, for the rest of your life.
Keeping physically active improves your chances of staying healthy and independent for longer.
It’s never too late to start as there are health benefits to be gained at any age.
There are many different activities to choose from – find one, or a few, that suit your lifestyle and that you enjoy.
Activities that encourage whole body movements and which improve balance, strength and flexibility are the most beneficial in reducing falls.