Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your situation. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalisation in Australians over 65 — and the fear of falling is one of the most significant causes of social isolation and reduced activity in older adults. The good news: targeted physiotherapy programs reduce fall rates by up to 30%, with benefits lasting well beyond the program.
The Scale of the Problem
In Australia, falls account for over 100,000 hospital admissions per year among older adults, at a cost exceeding $2 billion annually. More than one-third of people over 65 fall at least once per year. A fall resulting in a hip fracture carries a 20–30% mortality risk within 12 months. Prevention is dramatically more effective and cost-efficient than treating the consequences.
Falls Risk Assessment
A comprehensive physiotherapy falls risk assessment evaluates:
- Balance — timed up and go test, functional reach, standing balance challenges
- Muscle strength — particularly lower limb and ankle
- Gait analysis — step length, cadence, dual-task performance
- Proprioception (joint position sense)
- Medication review (in collaboration with GP or pharmacist)
- Home hazard questionnaire
- Vision and footwear assessment
- Falls history and fear of falling
What a Falls Prevention Program Includes
Effective evidence-based programs incorporate three key components:
- Progressive balance training: Gradually increasing challenges from supported (two-leg stance) to unsupported, single-leg, and dual-task balance. The challenge must be progressive to stimulate adaptation.
- Lower limb strengthening: Sit-to-stand, step exercises, calf raises, hip strengthening. Strong legs are the most important fall prevention factor.
- Walking programs: Building walking confidence, endurance, and gait stability in real-world environments.
The Otago Exercise Program and structured group fall prevention classes both have excellent evidence bases.
Falls Prevention at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We conduct comprehensive falls risk assessments and design individualised falls prevention programs. Multiple funding pathways available — Medicare EPC, My Aged Care, NDIS, DVA. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes falls in older adults?
Falls result from the interaction of multiple risk factors: muscle weakness (particularly hip extensors and ankle dorsiflexors), impaired balance and proprioception, reduced reaction time, medications that affect blood pressure or alertness (particularly benzodiazepines, antihypertensives, sedatives), vision impairment, cognitive impairment, home hazards (rugs, poor lighting, clutter), and fear of falling (which paradoxically increases fall risk by causing avoidance of activity).
What exercises reduce fall risk?
The most effective fall prevention exercises include: progressive balance challenge (standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, standing on foam), lower limb strengthening (sit-to-stand, step exercises, calf raises), walking programs, and tai chi (which has very strong evidence for fall prevention). Programs need to be progressive and sufficiently challenging — exercises that are too easy do not improve balance.
Is tai chi good for fall prevention?
Yes — tai chi has some of the strongest evidence for fall prevention of any single exercise type, with multiple large trials showing 20–30% reduction in fall rates. Its slow, controlled movements, weight shifting, and attention to balance directly address the balance deficits that contribute to falls. Community tai chi classes are an excellent option for older adults.
Can Medicare fund falls prevention physiotherapy?
Yes. Falls prevention physiotherapy is funded through Medicare EPC plans (GP referral required for bulk billing), My Aged Care funding (for eligible older Australians), NDIS for eligible participants under 65, and DVA for veterans. Contact us to discuss which funding pathway is most appropriate for your situation.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora