Falls Prevention

Reducing your risk of slips, trips and falls.

Slip, trips and falls can happen to us all.  Many people think, “It won’t happen to me” or that falls are not important.  Some think falling is a natural part of ageing and there is nothing you can do. Slips, trips and falls have many causes but there are simple things you can do to help prevent or reduce the likelihood of falls injuries. 

The good news is, most falls are preventable. Reducing your falls risk can reduce the likelihood of falls injuries such as broken bones (or worse).  Falls are the main reason why older people lose their independence.

The good news is – most falls are preventable.

For more information

The Health Quality & Safety Commission has produced four short videos. The videos highlight: 

  • Preventing falls in hospital;

  • Staying safe on your feet at home;

  • Preventing falls in an aged residential care facility;

  • Staying on your feet in the community.

To access the videos, click on the link below:

Contact

Marnie Brown:
Email: marnie.brown@nbph.org.nz
Phone: 03 543 7838

Kim Fergusson:
Email: kim.fergusson@nbph.org.nz
Phone: 03 543 7845

Who can access this service?

If you are over 65 years and can answer yes to any of these 3 questions…you have a falls risk:

  • Have you had a fall in the past 12 months?
  • Are you on 4 or more medications?
  • Do you have a fear of falling?

How to be referred

  • Visiting your doctor and discussing your falls risk and the options available to you;
  • Reading the ‘Staying Active and on Your Feet’ publication;
  • You may also benefit from attending Upright & Able, a FREE community programme that builds your confidence and knowledge about how to avoid falls Upright & Able is available throughout the Nelson Bays region. To find out more: Phone 03 543 7838;
  • If home maintenance and repairs are needed to reduce your risk of falling, the Good Homes checklist will be a valuable read;