Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls in Older People: Best Practice Guidelines for Community Care in Australia - Reference Document

Minimising falls, harm from falls and maximising mobility to prevent functional decline remain a key challenge for older people in the community. The incidence of falls in Australia is increasing and is expected to increase further as the population ages.

The human cost of falls for the older person, their carers and family may include extended hospitalisation, rehabilitation, increased care needs, fear of falling, potential entry into residential aged care service and death. By preventing falls, we can eliminate avoidable suffering, negative health outcomes and health system costs.

Fortunately, many falls can be prevented with the systematic implementation of tailored falls and harm from falls prevention interventions.