Falls are one of the most common health risks facing older Australians. While a fall can happen at any age, our bodies often become less forgiving as we get older.
A simple trip on a rug, a slip in the bathroom or losing balance on the stairs can sometimes lead to serious injuries. For older people, a fall can mean a longer recovery, reduced confidence and, in some cases, a loss of independence.
However, falling is not an inevitable part of ageing. There are many practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling, protect your health and continue living safely in your own home.
How common are falls in older adults?
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older people in Australia.
More than one in four adults aged 65 years and older experience a fall each year. Many falls happen during everyday activities, such as walking around the home, getting in and out of the shower, or moving between rooms.
Common causes of falls include:
- Slippery floors or wet surfaces
- Loose rugs, mats or electrical cords
- Poor lighting
- Uneven pathways
- Clutter around the home
- Reduced balance or muscle strength
- Changes in eyesight
- Certain medications
- Unsafe footwear
A fall is not simply “bad luck”. In many cases, there are changes you can make to reduce your risk.
Why are falls more serious as we get older?
As we age, our bodies naturally go through changes. We may lose some muscle strength, balance and reaction speed. Our bones may also become weaker, which can make injuries more likely if we do fall.
A younger person may recover quickly from a fall. However, an older person may experience:
- Broken bones, including hip fractures
- Reduced mobility
- Longer hospital stays
- Fear of falling again
- Less confidence completing daily activities
This is why falls prevention is about more than avoiding injuries. It is about protecting your independence and helping you continue doing the things you enjoy.
How to make your home safer and prevent falls
Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, confident and secure. Small changes can make a big difference.
Improve lighting throughout your home
Good lighting helps you see hazards before they become a problem.
Consider:
- Adding brighter lights in hallways and entryways
- Installing night lights near the bedroom and bathroom
- Making sure light switches are easy to access
- Replacing blown globes quickly
Poor visibility can increase your risk of tripping, especially at night.
Remove trip hazards
Many household falls happen because of things we stop noticing over time.
Look around your home for:
- Loose rugs
- Clutter on walkways
- Cords across floors
- Uneven flooring
- Items stored in difficult-to-reach places .
Keeping pathways clear allows you to move around your home more safely.
Make your bathroom safer
Bathrooms are one of the most common places for falls because wet surfaces can become slippery.
Helpful modifications include:
- Installing grab rails near the shower or toilet
- Using non-slip mats
- Adding a shower chair if needed
- Improving bathroom lighting
- Considering a handheld shower head.
These changes can help you maintain independence while reducing risks.
Be mindful of stairs and outdoor areas
Stairs and outdoor pathways can become challenging as balance changes.
Consider:
- Installing handrails on both sides of stairs
- Keeping outdoor paths clear
- Repairing uneven surfaces
- Adding outdoor lighting
- Removing slippery leaves or debris.
A safe outdoor area helps you continue enjoying your garden and community.
Choose supportive footwear
Footwear plays an important role in falls prevention.
Choose shoes that:
- Fit securely
- Have non-slip soles
- Provide good support
- Are comfortable for walking.
Avoid walking on slippery floors in socks or wearing shoes that do not fit properly.
Keeping your body strong can reduce your risk of injury
While home modifications help prevent falls, keeping your body strong can also protect you if a fall does happen.
Strong muscles support your balance, movement and stability. Strong bones are also important because they can reduce the severity of injuries.
Stay active with strength and balance exercises
Regular movement is one of the best ways to support healthy ageing.
Activities that can help include:
- Walking
- Strength training
- Pilates
- Tai chi
- Balance exercises
- Resistance exercises
Strength and balance exercises help maintain muscle function and confidence when moving around.
If you are unsure where to start, speak with your doctor, physiotherapist or exercise professional about activities that suit your abilities.
Support your bone health
Healthy bones can help reduce the risk of fractures if you do experience a fall.
Ways to support bone health include:
- Eating a balanced diet with enough calcium and protein
- Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels
- Staying physically active
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake.
Osteoporosis can make bones weaker and more likely to break after a fall. Speak with your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your bone health.
Review your health regularly
Falls can sometimes be linked to changes in your health.
Regular check-ups can help identify issues with:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Balance
- Medications
- Blood pressure
- Foot health
Your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare team can help you understand your personal risk factors and develop strategies to stay safe.
How aged care support can help prevent falls
Sometimes, staying independent at home means having the right support around you.
Aged care support at home can help with everyday tasks while also identifying potential safety concerns. Support workers can assist with things like:
- Keeping your home tidy and hazard-free
- Supporting safe movement around the home
- Helping with daily routines
- Encouraging independence and confidence
- Noticing changes that may impact your safety.
At For Care Aged Care, we understand that everyone’s home and needs are different. As trusted aged care providers, we support older Australians to remain safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes as long as possible. Our team can help identify areas where your home may need adjustments and work with you to find practical solutions that support your lifestyle.
To learn more about how For Care Aged Care can support you, contact our friendly team on 1800 367 227 or email hello@forcare.net.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Falls usually happen because of a combination of factors. Common causes include reduced balance, muscle weakness, vision changes, unsafe footwear, medications and hazards around the home.
No. While falls become more common as we age, they are not an unavoidable part of getting older. Many falls can be prevented through exercise, home modifications and regular health checks.
Common modifications include grab rails, improved lighting, removing trip hazards, and installing non-slip surfaces.
You can improve bathroom safety by adding grab rails, using non-slip mats, improving lighting and considering equipment such as shower chairs if needed.
Yes. Regular strength and balance exercises can improve muscle strength, stability and confidence, which can reduce your risk of falling. An exercise physiologist can help, and customise a program for your needs.
Aged care support workers can help you maintain a safe home environment, support daily activities and identify changes that may affect your safety and independence.
If you fall, try to stay calm and assess whether you are injured before attempting to get up. If you cannot safely stand, call for help or use an emergency alert system if you have one. It is also important to tell your doctor about any falls, even if you were not injured.
