Free guide · PDF · 4 pages
Falls prevention exercise programs in retirement villages and aged care
Falls cause 43% of injury deaths in Australia. This guide sets out what the evidence says about exercise and falls, and gives village managers, lifestyle coordinators and aged care teams a practical checklist for programs residents use and boards, families and clinicians trust.
Who it's for: Retirement village managers, wellness and lifestyle coordinators, allied health teams and aged care providers in Australia and New Zealand.
What's inside
- Australian falls data from the AIHW: deaths, hospitalisations and cost
- What works: Cochrane review results and NZ Live Stronger for Longer outcomes
- Why falls programs are on boards' agendas, including aged care quality indicators
- Set-up, delivery and review checklists
- How programs differ in retirement villages and residential aged care
Questions
Does exercise reduce falls in older people?
Yes. A 2019 Cochrane review found exercise reduces the rate of falls by 23% in older people living in the community, and programs combining balance, functional and resistance exercise by 34%.
How often should a falls prevention exercise program run?
The guide recommends sessions at least twice a week, with home or room exercises between sessions, and balance challenge that increases as residents improve.
Who is this guide for?
Retirement villages, residential aged care providers, seniors gyms and allied health teams in Australia and New Zealand.
Related
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Sources are listed in the PDF.