Falls: they’re one of those things we don’t like to think about. But for many Australians, they’re a real and growing concern.
In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalisations and injury-related deaths among older Australians.
The good news? New, evidence-based guidelines have just been released to help tackle this issue head-on—and they’re set to make a real difference in the lives of seniors across the country.
A fresh approach to an age-old problem
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released updated Best Practice Guidelines for Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls in Older People.
These guidelines—last updated in 2009—have been given a major overhaul thanks to the work of researchers from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and other experts in the field.
Associate Professor Jasmine Menant, senior research scientist at NeuRA’s Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, was part of the team behind this five-year project.
She explains: ‘Falls have a big impact on individuals, as the consequences can be life-changing—from injury to early admission into residential aged care or even mortality. They also have a big impact on economy, with falls of Australians aged over 65 years old costing the health system more than $2.8 billion annually.’
What’s new in the guidelines?
So, what’s changed? The new guidelines are based on the latest scientific evidence and focus on practical interventions that can actually prevent falls, rather than just assessing risk.
This marks a major shift from previous approaches, which often stopped at identifying who was at risk without offering clear, actionable steps to reduce that risk.
The guidelines are tailored to three key settings where falls commonly occur:
- Residential aged care
- Community care (for those living independently)
- Hospitals
For each setting, the guidelines recommend a tailored approach—recognising that not all older people have the same needs or risk factors.
For example, someone who has already had a fall may need a different intervention than someone who hasn’t.
Factors like mobility, medication and home environment all play a role.
Key recommendations you should know
Here are some of the standout recommendations from the new guidelines:
1. Exercise is essential
In residential aged care, there’s now stronger evidence supporting the ongoing delivery of exercise programs specifically designed to improve strength and balance.
These aren’t just any exercises—think tailored routines that address the unique needs of older adults.
2. Personalised interventions
In the community, the guidelines highlight the importance of different approaches for people with different levels of risk.
This could mean anything from home safety assessments to medication reviews or vision checks.
3. Focus on action, not just assessment
Across all settings, the emphasis is on actually implementing interventions—not just identifying who is at risk.
This means more support for things like installing grab rails, improving lighting and making sure footwear is safe and supportive.
4. Ongoing review
The guidelines also stress the importance of regularly reviewing and updating fall prevention strategies as people’s needs change over time.
Why this matters for you
If you’re over 60, or you care for someone who is, these new guidelines are a game-changer.
Falls can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence and even early admission to residential care. But with the right strategies in place, many falls can be prevented.
It’s also worth noting that falls aren’t just a personal issue—they’re a community and economic one, too.
With the cost of falls among older Australians topping $2.8 billion a year, prevention isn’t just good for individuals—it’s good for the whole country.
Where to find more information
The full guidelines are available online for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the details.
And if you’re interested in the research behind these recommendations, check out NeuRA’s work at www.neura.edu.au.
Let’s start a conversation
Falls can happen in an instant, but a little preparation can go a long way.
By staying active, informed and aware of your surroundings, you can take real steps toward preventing falls—at home, in the community or in care.
Have you or someone you know experienced a fall? What steps have you taken to reduce your risk? Do you have any tips or stories to share about staying safe and steady on your feet?
We’d love to hear from you—share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Qantas ‘truly sorry’ after worker’s critical airport fall
