Depar tment of Healthand Human Ser vices

Information forfamily and friendsof older people

If your friend or relative has a fall or a fear of falling, encourage them to discuss this with their GP so that they can take steps to reduce their risk and decrease their fear.

Falls are a serious issue in Tasmania. One in three people over 65 years will fall each year.

While most falls do not end in serious injury, they can lead to a loss of confidence and loss of independence.

It is important to acknowledge that falls are preventable and are not a normal part of getting older. There are things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of a fall.

Information has been adapted from the Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Health Care (2009). ‘Preventing falls and harm from falls in older people. Best practice guidelines for Australian community care, hospitals and residential aged care’.

Stay On Your Feet® is a registered trademark of the Department of Health WA and is used with permission.

This pamphlet was developed by the Department of Health WA and adapted by the Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania. D

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Additional Stay On Your Feet® information can be viewed online at

www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/stayonyourfeet

How you can help while they are in hospital

How you can help when they go home

• Please bring in to the hospital any equipment they would normally use, such as glasses, walking aids and hearing aids.

• Make sure the call bell and any equipment they might need is within reach when you leave their room.

• Ensure that they are wearing suitable clothing and non slip footwear.

• Call nursing staff if your friend or relative needs to get out of bed – do not assist them to get out.

• Please do not adjust bed rails.• If your friend or relative has a fall, do not try

to help them to get up – please call for assistance from staff.

Preventing falls is also important once they return home. There are a number of ways in which you can help your friend or relative stay on their feet at home.

Encouraging a loved one to stay as active as possible is important. A physiotherapist can show them exercises that can help them stay on their feet, if needed. Rehabilitation exercise programs may also be beneficial if they have been inactive for a while. Talk to the staff at the hospital to see if this may be suitable for your friend or family member.

If you also have concerns about how they manage activities of daily living or their home environment, you can discuss this with the ward occupational therapist.

Taking certain medication may increase the risk of having a fall. Encourage them to talk to their General Practitioner (GP) or pharmacist about getting their medication reviewed.

Your friend or relative may be more at risk of a fall if they:

• have problems with walking and balance• need help when going to the toilet• are taking medication• are confused or disorientated• have problems with their eyesight• have a health issue such as arthritis, Parkinson’s

disease or if they have had a stroke• have recently had an operation.