Fall facts and safety steps to stay on your feet

One in four people over the age of 60 have a fall each year, and this increases to one in three people after the age of 65. Falls are not a normal part of getting older and can be prevented.

The most common injuries from a fall are fractures to the hip and thigh, followed by injuries to the head.

Below are three simple steps to follow that will help keep you active and alert so you can prevent slips, trips and falls.

Move your body 

Exercise will improve posture, strengthen muscles and bones, improve your balance

and overall fitness and wellbeing. Regular walking, stretching at home or swimming can have a positive impact on the health of your muscles and bones.

Monitor your health

Get your GP to check your health and medication. It is also important to keep your mind active and alert with activities such as puzzles and reading, and fuel your body with the right foods. This is essential to staying independent and healthy.

Remove hazards

Increase your confidence by making your home and garden safer. Wear non-slip footwear, get your eyesight tested and refer to our Home Safety Checklist to remove hazards.

Home Safety Checklist

Approximately half of all falls occur in the home and garden, so it’s important to identify hazards that could increase your risk of having a fall.

Use this checklist to make your home and garden safer:

  • Are your floor coverings non-slip and in good condition?
  • Are there uneven surfaces in your home?
  • Are all areas inside and outside of your house well lit?
  • Are your stairs, steps and ladders safe?
  • Do your stairs and steps have easy to reach, sturdy grab rails or a ramp fitted?
  • Are your walkways clear?
  • Have you placed your furniture in your home so you can rest if you feel faint?
  • Is your furniture steady and can you stand up from it safely?
  • Are you storing important items in easy to reach areas?
  • Are your footpaths and the entrances to your house safe?
  • Do you put away garden items in an easy to access location when you are finished with them?

Want more help?

We offer specialist falls prevention and safety services to help our clients prevent falls and improve their confidence and independence if they have recently experienced a fall. You may be eligible for these services through a Government funded program such as Home and Community Care or a Home Care Package.

Alternatively, we offer all of our falls prevention services at a competitive hourly rate.

For more information, contact our friendly, knowledgeable team today on (08) 9242 0119 (8am – 5pm weekdays) or email CareTeam@silverchain.org.au.