Upright & Independent
A local Falls Prevention project, called ‘Upright & Independent’ is working to improving the quality of
life and independence of older people in our community, through reduced falls incidence and injury.
Did you know that?
 One in three people over the age of 65 fall every year – this is the number of ‘reported falls’ so
there are likely to be many more!
 Many people don’t realize that a ‘fall’ includes a slip, trip or stumble or any loss of balance
towards the ground.
 Falls injury is the most common reason for hospitalisation in older people – 5 x more than
other injuries.
 The most common place to fall is in the home – people don’t always recognize risks, like
cords, rugs or poor lighting, because we spend so much time at home and feel safe there.
 Falls and related injuries can impact on confidence and independence and as such have a
huge impact on the lives of those affected and their families – they also cost the community
about $2.4 billion per year, nation-wide.
When you think about the ageing population and the above statistics, it becomes obvious how
important Falls Prevention is. But the good news is … FALLS ARE PREVENTABLE!!! Take action
now, regardless of your age or fitness level, to remain healthy and active for as long as you can.
Exercising regularly to improve your strength and balance – there are many local classes, walking
groups or other activities that are both safe and social! Fortunately, our community seems to be
getting this message – many of the local falls prevention exercise classes are full.
However, there are many things that you can do to keep Upright & Independent. Examples of
activities that can prevent falls, by your improving strength and balance, include tai chi, yoga as well
as dancing and walking. It is important to start now and remember that achieving good health is not
a destination, but a journey that you need to continually work towards.
Other simple and effective steps that can be taken to address falls risks, include:

Having your home reviewed for hazards and modified to improve safety – this service is
available through your local hospital, talk to an Occupational Therapist.

Wearing safe and comfortable shoes that fit your foot snugly and have good grip.

Having your eyes checked regularly and wearing appropriate glasses – Vision Australia or
your local optometrist can give you advice or assess your vision.

Considering any medication you take and how it can affect you – a Home Medications Review
is a free service where a local pharmacist will come to your home and talk to you in detail
about the medications that you take. Your GP can refer you to receive this service.

Eating well and often enough – this is important to ensure your health and bone strength.

Having a comprehensive falls risk assessment – talk to your GP or an Allied Health
practitioner (such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist) at your local hospital or
community health service.
One of the priorities of the project is increasing community awareness of falls risks, so that individuals
can take steps to manage and reduce these risks. To do this, the Upright & Independent project has
put together a Community Education Package with information about personal and environmental
risks, such as:
Personal falls risks:
o medication use
o fear of falling
o health, vision and nutrition
o mobility and exercise
Environmental falls risks:
o home hazards
o environmental hazards
o inappropriate footwear
o unsafe activities
Since launching the Community Education Package in October last year, we’ve delivered the
presentation to 22 groups and around 400 people, across a number of local towns. Interaction with
groups – sharing of stories, exchange of ideas, discussion about positive changes made and local
services available – has been wonderful, with excellent feedback being received from participants.
After hearing the presentation:
 99% of respondents said that there knowledge about falls risks had improved
 83% said that they would make changes to address identified falls risks
Allied Health practitioners from across the region are available to deliver this education package to
local community and service groups. The presentation (including time for questions and discussion)
takes about an hour, however it can be modified to fit into your meeting schedule. More sessions are
planned for the coming months and we are more than happy to come and talk to your group, should
they wish to learn more about how to prevent falls, and stay Upright & Independent!
To organize a speaker for your group, or for more information contact Alisha McDonald, Falls
Prevention Project Officer, on 5674 3105 or a.mcdonald@sggp.com.au
The Upright & Independent Project is funded for 3 years by the Department of Human
Services (DHS) under the Foothold on Safety initiative.
The South Coast Health Services Consortium (SCHSC) is also funded by DHS as part of the
Primary Care Partnership program. We are a voluntary alliance of local health service
providers, including hospitals, community health services and local government.
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Alisha McDonald, a.mcdonald@sggp.com.au
May 2006