1. Stepping into falls prevention
Presentation developed by: Goulburn Valley Health Service
This 16 slide PowerPoint presentation is a simplified version of the booklet and is specific to residential aged care services. Although a PowerPoint presentation may not be suitable for resident education, the presentation can help structure informal discussions with residents and can be used to prepare overheads or posters.
(Downloadable)
In 2009 the Department of Health funded Northern Health, in conjunction with National Ageing Research Institute, to review falls prevention resources for the Department of Health’s website. The materials used as the basis of this generic resource were developed by Goulburn Valley Health under a Service Agreement with the Department of Human Services, now the Department of Health. This and other resources to maintain health and wellbeing of older people are available from

2. Stepping into falls prevention
A simple guide to preventing falls in residential aged care facilities

3. Why is falls prevention important?
It is estimated that half the people in residential care facilities fall each year. Many falls can be prevented and there are many things that you can do to help prevent falls.
This presentation has been designed to teach you what you can do to help prevent falls.

4. What can you do?

5. Seeing and hearing well
Keep your glasses in reach
Remember to wear your glasses
Remember to wear your hearing aid
Turn your light on at night before you get up so that you can see where you are going

6. Getting up to walk Sit on your bed for a short time before getting up
Remember to get up slowly and make sure you are steady before moving off
If you have a walking aid make sure that you use it correctly
If you are having problems with walking please tell your nurse or care staff, we can arrange for a physiotherapist or your doctor to assess and treat you

7. Walking aids If you have a walking aid, remember to use it
Make sure you know how to use your walking aid correctly
Have your walking aid within reach at all times

8. Going to the toilet Don’t rush to the toilet
Tell your nurse or care staff if you are having problems with your bladder or bowels
We can arrange for your doctor to check you or for a continence nurse to advise you on continence pads or other continence aids

9. Feeling dizzy or unwell
If you feel dizzy or unsteady please tell your nurse or care staff
Don’t wait to ask for help when you need it
Do not try to get up or walk if you feel dizzy

10. Shoes and feet Wear properly fitting shoes with non-slip soles
Properly fitting shoes are much safer than slippers
Do not wear socks without shoes
If you are having problems with your feet we can arrange for your doctor or podiatrist to assess and treat you

11. Eating and drinking
It is important to have a balanced diet and plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather
Make sure that you follow your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice
If you are having problems with chewing, swallowing, or with your appetite, please tell your nurse or care worker

12. Staying active Staying active helps to reduce falls
Try to stay active but do not take risks
It is important that you do any exercises that are given to you by your physiotherapist or doctor
Tai Chi and walking are very effective in helping to reduce falls

13. Healthy bones and sunshine
Vitamin D is necessary to keep your bones healthy
To get enough vitamin D, you need to spend 20 minutes in direct sunlight 4-6 times per week (Vitamin D cannot be absorbed through a window)
If you do not get enough sun a vitamin supplement may be necessary

14. Hip protectors
Hip protectors can be used to protect people who have weak muscles and bones, and people who have many falls
Hip protectors are plastic shields that slip into pockets in specially made underwear
If you want more information about hip protectors ask your nurse, care worker or physiotherapist

15. Medications
Taking medications is often part of life, however, problems with medications can cause falls
It is important that you take the medications prescribed by your doctor
If you are having problems with any of your medications please tell your nurse or care worker and they can arrange for a review of your medications

16. What to do if you fall Stay calm Decide if you will try to get up
If you can’t get up try to keep warm
Make a loud noise to get help
Always tell someone if you have had a fall even if you don’t hurt yourself

17. Thank you for working with us to prevent falls

18. Acknowledgement
In 2009 the Department of Health funded Northern Health, in conjunction with National Ageing Research Institute, to review falls prevention resources for the Department of Health’s website. The materials used as the basis of this generic resource were developed by Goulburn Valley Health under a Service Agreement with the Department of Human Services, now the Department of Health. This and other resources to maintain health and wellbeing of older people are available from