Addressing the Risk of Falls in Older Australians: The Role of Medical Alert Systems

The Reality of Fall-Related Injuries

A study by Curtin University revealed that for every fall resulting in a hip fracture, there are nine additional falls that cause moderate-to-major injuries. This data underscores the urgent need for effective fall prevention strategies in aged care settings. Falls can have serious consequences for older individuals, often leading to severe injuries, reduced mobility, loss of confidence, and diminished independence.

The Importance of Prevention

Preventing falls is essential to ensure the safety and quality of life for older people. Strategies for fall prevention include regular exercise to improve strength and balance, proper medication management, and creating a safe living environment free of tripping hazards. However, even with the best precautions, falls can still occur, making it vital to have reliable support systems in place.

The Role of Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are invaluable as safety measures, providing a safety net in emergencies. INS LifeGuard’s solutions empower users to live independently, knowing that immediate help is available at the push of a button in the event of a fall or accident. These systems not only provide peace of mind but can be life-saving, ensuring timely medical assistance when it’s most needed.

A person may be reluctant and anxious about what happens when they press the alarm they may also feel like they are losing their independence or as though they can no longer be trusted to take care of themselves. Lisa approached this daughters Father with compassion and understanding, making it clear that our goal is the same as his – to remain safely independent at home for as long as possible, convincing him to wear his pendant.

What is a Fall?

A fall is defined as “an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor, other than as a consequence of sustaining a collision with another person or object.”



Falls can occur anywhere and at any time, but they are most common in older people, who are more likely to experience frailty and poor balance. Falls can cause serious fall-related injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and bruises. In some cases, they can even lead to death.

Falls in Elderly: Symptoms and Causes

Falls among the elderly is a serious problem and one that is often under-recognised. They can cause significant injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and even death. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in people over the age of 65.

There are many different factors that can contribute to falls in the elderly. These include muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness, reduced strength and coordination, and environmental hazards. Falls can also be caused by environmental factors such as slippery floors in bathrooms or cluttered rooms.

Fall-related injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, hip fractures or head injuries. In some cases, falls can even lead to death.

In addition to the physical impacts, falls can also have a significant psychological impact, causing anxiety, fear, and a loss of confidence. This can lead to social isolation and a decline in physical activity, which can further increase the risk of falling.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek medical help to avoid injuries.

The Importance of Prevention

Falls can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, so it is important that steps are taken to prevent them from happening. If a fall does occur, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. Once the person has been assessed by a healthcare professional, they will be able to develop a plan to prevent future falls from happening. This might involve making changes to the environment, modifying medications, and providing patient education.

By following the strategies we listed in your aged care facilities, we can assure you that they can significantly reduce the leading cause of falls occurring.

Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Preventing falls can be a tough task, but it is not impossible.

For those who are at an increased risk of falling, the best way to prevent these falls is by implementing a comprehensive fall prevention plan. This plan will include four key components:

1. Environmental Modifications

The first step in fall prevention at home is to modify the environment. This includes things like making sure there are no throw rugs or carpets that may cause a tripping hazard. The floors should be kept clean and free of any debris.

It’s also a good idea to remove any items from the immediate area that may present a tripping or falling hazard, such as throw pillows, remote controls, and other objects.

It’s important to make sure all stairways have a handrail and that it is securely positioned on both sides of the stairs. You also want to make sure that all doors have enough support and don’t slam shut when they’re opened.

2. Accessible Facilities

One of the most important preventative measures is ensuring that facilities are accessible. Accessibility can be achieved through a variety of means, such as installing ramps or handrails. It’s also important to ensure that pathways are clear and free of clutter.

A clean, well-lit environment also contributes to safety. There should be proper lighting in the pathways and common areas, as well as lights in the rooms where people spend most of their time in the aged care facility.

3. Assessments and Screening

Another step in preventing falls is assessing the risk factors of each individual. This assessment can help identify physical and environmental hazards that might cause a fall.

It’s important to have an occupational therapist complete a comprehensive assessment before implementing any fall prevention strategies. They will also go through a detailed screening process with your loved one to rule out any underlying health problems that could be causing them to slip or trip. If there are any medical concerns, they should be addressed before implementing any interventions for fall prevention.

4. Training Staff on Fall Prevention in Aged Care

One of the most important steps in preventing falls is ensuring that your staff in aged care facilities are properly trained. Health professionals and care staff need to have a good understanding of the issues related to falls and how they can be prevented. They also need to know what actions to take when a resident has fallen, including how to assess the resident for injuries and if necessary, call for emergency help.

5. Patient Education

An important part of fall prevention is educating patients about the risks and what they can do to reduce them. This might include talking about their medications and making sure they know about any side effects that could make them more likely to fall.

Patients should also be encouraged to stay active and exercise regularly, as this can help to improve their balance and coordination. They should be taught how to safely get in and out of beds, chairs, and bathtubs, and given assistance if needed.

Finally, patients should be made aware of any hazards in their environment and how to avoid them. For example, they should be told to keep the floors clear of clutter and electrical cords, and to wear shoes that fit properly and provide good support.

6. Exercise and Physical Activity

A study says individuals who are physically active are less likely to fall than those who are inactive. Exercise can help to improve balance, strength, and flexibility, all of which can help to reduce the risk of falling.

There is a range of senior exercise programs that have been specifically designed for aged care residents. These can be done alone or with a group, and they can be made to fit each person’s needs and abilities.

Some aged care facilities also offer group exercise classes, which can be a great way for residents to stay active and socialize at the same time.