Did you know one in three adults aged 65 or over fall one or more times a year.

Falls can result in hip fracture, permanent disability and even death.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of falling and we're here to help you.

If you want to keep living independently then thinking about reducing the risk of falling is very important.

How can the Falls and Balances Group help me?

The Falls and Balances Group offers a one-to-one initial assessment and supervised 45-minute group exercise sessions tailored to suit your needs.

Our Accredited Exercise Physiologist will do the assessment and run exercise sessions for you.

The main focus of the program is:

• Reducing the risk for adults that have increased danger of falling.

• Providing people with a safe and supervised environment where they can do specific exercises to reduce the risk of falling.

• Exercise sessions will focus on balance challenges, lower limb strengthening, range of motion and stretching.

What improvements will the program make for me?

We can work with you to improve:

• Balance

• Joint mobility

• Muscle strength

• Independence

• Confidence

• General health and wellbeing

• Better knowledge around falls

• Better knowledge of fall risk factors and fall-related injuries.

Can anyone join the group?

You must meet one of the following criteria:

• Had one or more falls in the last 12 months.
• Have significant balance problems that place you at risk of falling or limits your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Increased risk of falling due to a medical condition such as osteoporosis, impaired vision, impaired sensation or weakness after a stroke.

What will stop me from joining?

Non-ambulant (eg. wheelchair).

People who have fallen because of syncope, seizure or collapsing.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing and enclosed, well-fitted footwear.

What will the group cost?

$10 per session with the purchase of a 10-session card. Casual sessions $20. Please note you may be able to claim a rebate on fees if you have extras private health insurance. Please discuss with your insurer.  

Will I need a referral?

You do not need a referral to attend the program but consumers who are deemed ‘high-risk’ will need a medical clearance before taking part in any exercise sessions.

Where is the group held?

We have two venues. Our Eaglehawk site at 3 Seymoure Street. Our Kangaroo Flat site at 19 Helm Street. 

Who do I call with a question?

You can contact the Active Living Program team with your question or to join the Falls and Balances Exercise Program by calling 5406 1200.

Thank you

We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about our Falls and Balances Exercise Program. Thank you.

Watch our video on falls and balance

Our exercise physiologist Joel has made this video on falls, knowing the risks and what you can do to prevent them. Well worth a watch if you plan on living independently:

Related information

To learn more about our Active Living Program which features one on one sessions with Exercise Physiologists, strength and conditioning, Type 2 diabetes exercise group click here

To learn more about our Exercise Physiology program click here

To learn more about our Type 2 Diabetes Group Exercise Sessionsclick here

 

Last updated: July 2021