A new Falls Prevention Program is proving a gamechanger for over-70s, empowering participants to stay active and independent and addressing a major cause of hospitalisation in older people.
Tasmania’s leading health and wellness organisation St Lukes is offering the free eight‑week program for eligible members, delivered by Salveo Healthcare, to help reduce the risk of a serious fall by improving balance, strength and confidence.
St Lukes Chief Operating Officer Darren Harris said the risk of a fall gets higher as we get older, and the consequences can be serious – even deadly.
“Up to 30 per cent of falls among older people result in moderate to severe injury, such as a hip fracture or head wound, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations for over-65s. Tasmania has more fall injury deaths than any other state,” he said.1
“St Lukes see this reflected in our own data: fall-related hospitalisations are one of our biggest claim areas for this age group. We saw a real need for a preventive program to reduce falls, both to help our members stay safe and well, but also to significantly reduce the number of preventable hospitalisations putting pressure on our health system.”
Salveo Healthcare Operations Manager Amy Nas said across eight weeks, participants learn how to identify personal and environmental fall risk factors in their daily lives, make simple changes at home for a safer living space, and what to do in the event of a fall.
“The course includes exercises to improve strength, balance, and mobility, reducing participants’ risk of a fall and equipping them with the skills and strength to get back up again,” she said.
“As well as immediate benefits like faster reaction times, more effective body control and a more stable gait over uneven surfaces, there are long-term improvements to independence, confidence, and muscle, joint and bone density maintenance.”
Participant Lionel Young described the course as an “absolute must”, after he had major spinal surgery following a series of falls last year.
“I'd finished the physio that I had to do with the medical side of things, and then I read in the paper about this,” he explained.
“I thought well, this was organised for me! And so I came along and it's just, if it was on every day of the week I'd be here.”
Mr Young said the Falls Prevention Program had improved his perception of likely trip hazards and risks, both at home and out and about.
“I feel a lot more confident. Awareness of where there are likely trips and fall places. It could be as simple as a mat. It could be as simple as an electric cord. Or when I take the dog out for a walk, he regularly runs around the legs and tries to tangle up, and I'm a lot more aware.
“The other side of it is that they're emphasising is our maintaining good health and doing all the right things. Seeing the doctor when you need to see the doctor, taking your pills when you need to. Because there's the whole idea of it, it's all about good health.”
Participant Lyn Mitchel said the social aspect had been really motivating.
“We’ve all made friends, this is the fifth week now … everybody knows one another and we have a bit of a chat.”
Mr Harris said uptake at the Launceston pilot has been so strong, St Lukes plans to expand the Falls Prevention Program to its Hobart wellness hub later this year.
“We’re thrilled by the success of this program. Empowering people with the knowledge and training to stay well and avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital is aligned with our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Join the growing number of Tasmanians taking control of their wellbeing. More information available here.
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