Safe Steps for Seniors and Families

💡 Why Fall Prevention Matters for Older Adults

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians over 65 experiences a fall each year? And that many of these falls lead to serious injuries that impact independence and quality of life?

But here’s the good news: most falls are preventable.

Whether you're a concerned family member or an older adult yourself, this guide will show you how to:

• Make your home safer
  
• Strengthen your balance and mobility
  
• Support your vision, hearing, and bone health
  
• Work with trusted professionals who can help
  

Let’s explore the top fall prevention strategies that empower older Australians to stay active, safe, and independent.

🏡 1. Home Safety: Create a Fall-Free Environment

A few smart changes around the home can dramatically reduce fall risks:

✅ Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter
✅ Add non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens
✅ Install grab rails and handrails along stairs and in the shower
✅ Improve lighting in hallways, entries, and near beds
✅ Use ramp access instead of steps where needed

🛠️ Pro Tip: Ask your GP for a referral to an Occupational Therapist who can do a home safety assessment and recommend modifications that may be funded through My Aged Care.

🏃♂️ 2. Exercise: Strengthen Your Body, Improve Balance

Regular movement builds the strength and coordination needed to prevent falls.

Great options include:

• Tai Chi – Linked to a 37% reduction in falls
  
• Group strength classes (like Summit’s Telehealth program)
  
• Balance exercises such as standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe
  
• Gentle yoga or Pilates to increase flexibility
  

Need a structured plan? Join a local falls prevention program or ask a physiotherapist for a personalized plan.

👂 3. Hearing & Balance: Don’t Overlook the Link

Hearing loss has been linked to a higher risk of falls, especially in older adults. Why?

When hearing declines, the brain uses more energy to listen—leaving less attention for balance and coordination.

📌 A Johns Hopkins study found even mild hearing loss triples fall risk.

➡️ If you haven’t had a hearing test recently, now is the time. Book an appointment with an audiologist or speak to your GP.

🌞 4. Bone Health & Vitamin D

Strong bones are essential for reducing the severity of injuries from falls.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and supports muscle and bone strength. But as we age, our skin produces less vitamin D from sunlight.

🔎 Aim for vitamin D levels above 60 nmol/L
🥗 Eat foods rich in calcium (e.g., leafy greens, dairy)
🌞 Get 10–30 minutes of sun exposure daily, or ask your GP about supplements

📖 Read Healthy Bones Australia's vitamin D advice

👓 5. Vision: Keep Your World in Focus

Blurry vision, poor depth perception, or outdated glasses can cause missteps and accidents—especially on stairs or uneven ground.

👀 Have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years
📏 Ask about lens changes for low-light or glare sensitivity
🕶️ Use adequate lighting and remove obstacles in walking areas

Book with your local optometrist or visit Optometry Australia to learn more.

🦶 6. Foot Health: Support Starts at the Ground

Foot pain, arthritis, or improper footwear can throw off balance and increase fall risk.

👟 Choose well-fitted, non-slip shoes with firm soles
🦶 Do foot and ankle strengthening exercises
🩺 Visit a podiatrist to manage bunions, nerve issues, or toenail concerns

📖 Podiatry Australia’s guide to senior foot care

🤝 7. Your Care Team: You're Not Alone

You don’t have to manage fall prevention alone.

Talk to:

• Your GP – for referrals and fall risk assessments
  
• Physiotherapists – for strength and mobility programs
  
• Occupational Therapists – for home safety and equipment
  
• Allied Health Assistants – for regular movement and support
  
• Care Coordinators – to arrange funded in-home services
  

Fall Prevention Is a Commitment to Quality of Life

Preventing falls isn’t just about checklists and mats. It’s about:

• Staying active
  
• Keeping your independence
  
• Living confidently at home
  

These steps, while simple, create a life that feels safe, supported, and empowered.

Summit Health Solutions: Your Partner in Fall Prevention

At Summit Health Solutions, we support older Australians to stay strong, mobile, and safe at home.

Our fall prevention services include:

• Occupational Therapy assessments
  
• Home safety recommendations
  
• Telehealth exercise classes
  
• Physiotherapy and AHA sessions
  
• Foot and nail care
  

We understand that aging comes with change—but it doesn’t have to mean giving up control.

📞 Call us today on 1300 315 315