Falls Prevention - 'Stand Tall, Don't Fall' Model of Care
Frequent falls and fear of falling present a major threat to the well being and quality of life of many older people. Apart from any injuries sustained in a fall, any fall can trigger a fear of falling that results in a downward spiral of reduced mobility leading to loss of function and a higher risk of falling. Older people have much higher rates of falls and falls injuries than other age groups.
A systematic and multifaceted approach is needed to help reduce falls and fall injuries and improve the quality of life of older Australians. Recognising the significantly reduced quality of life - particularly for older people - services need to be successfully reconfigured to reduce falls.
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| Beryl has high cholesterol and high blood sugars. She averages 2-3 falls each month. Beryl doesn't go out now in case she falls - her legs are very weak. | Beryl’s GP says that if her diabetes and cholesterol are controlled it might help to identify why she falls. He sends her to a dietician. | The dietician recommends regular walking but Beryl is too frightened. The dietician talks to Beryl and the GP about a low exercise program to help Beryl. | Beryl is assessed at the Community Health Centre. Beryl has weak legs and poor muscle tone. She is invited to join the Balance and Falls Prevention Exercise Group. A program is developed for her. | Initially the exercises are difficult but as she gets stronger, Beryl's confidence increases. The program presenter encourages Beryl. | Other health workers such as the podiatrist and optometrist visit the Balance and Falls Prevention Exercise Group. Beryl gets better walking shoes and starts to change her diet. | Beryl now exercises every day. Her blood sugars and cholesterol are under control. Beryl’s mental and physical health have improved dramatically. Beryl has not fallen for 12 months. |
Use these guidelines, tools and and hints to help you with the development and implementation of a comprehensive falls prevention program
Implementing Falls Prevention
What is 'Stand Tall, Don't Fall'
The Bega Valley Community Health Centre has established a program based on evidence based research that indicates a multidisciplinary approaches encompassing comprehensive identification of falls risks, assessment and targeted intervention can reduce falls and falls injury rates. The Stand Tall, Don't Fall program has processes in place across the continuum of care for screening, assessment of risks and referral to balance and falls prevention programs. Implementation strategies have been established and training provided to raise general awareness and provide specific skills to implement the program. It is characterised by integration and collaboration across the continuum of care. An effective balance and falls prevention exercise program is established as the program works to reduce the burden of falls and related injuries to the community.
Download the Falls Prevention - Stand Tall, Don't Fall' Model of Care 
PDF (1.8MB)
Contact - to find out more about the Falls Prevention Model of Care
Lorraine Lovitt
NSW Leader Falls Program
Clinical Excellence Commission
Tel: 02 9382 7661
E-mail: Lorraine.Lovitt@cec.health.nsw.gov.au
Literature - that validates the Falls Prevention Model of Care
- View References used to develop the Falls Prevention Model of Care
