Step right up for falls prevention
8 September 2011
Falls can happen to anyone of any age – but for older people, falls can have a significant physical and emotional toll.
One in three Australians aged over 65 and still living in the community will experience a fall each year, according to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
But simple falls prevention strategies can mean older people staying independent for longer and can increase their quality of life.
That is the aim of a free six-week, evidence-based program being run by Narrabri Community Health.
Occupational therapist Catriona Murray said the program is open to people over 65 years of age and aims to reduce participants’ risk of falling.
“The Stepping On falls prevention program was developed by Sydney University and provides people with the education and practical experience to make behavioral changes to reduce their risk of falling,” Catriona said.
Physiotherapist Susan Nash said the program is suitable for a range of abilities.
“The exercise component of the program is appropriate for people of all physical abilities,” Susan said.
“We use exercises that challenge balance and develop strength.”
The program was trialed last year with great success, and participants’ feedback used to further improve the program to suit the Narrabri community’s needs.
2010 Stepping On participant Sally Alexander is full of praise for the program.
“I felt it was marvelous, and I felt there were some great outcomes from it,” she said.
“I enjoyed the fact you are not doing it on your own – there were people of mixed ages working together.”
Catriona said a fall, even a minor fall, can reduce the person’s quality of life and have compounding affects.
“It isn’t just the physical effects of the fall itself. The other consequences of even a minor fall, such as a fear of falling and reduced activity levels, can profoundly affect people’s function and quality of life.
“And it can also increase the risk of seriously harmful falls.”
The sessions will be held at Narrabri Community Health in Barwan Street, starting on Thursday, 15 September (from 10.30am to 12.30pm) and will run weekly until Thursday, 27 October. Bookings are essential. For bookings and further information contact Narrabri Community Health on 6799 2000.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216