Falls prevention, before a fall happens
Many falls have causes that can be measured and improved, like leg strength, balance and walking. We assess yours and build a program to reduce your risk and keep you independent.
✓ No referral needed to book privately✓ Medicare and aged care funding✓ Family welcome
Falls are common, and exercise helps
Source: Sherrington C et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019. Figures are average reductions in the rate of falls across trials, not results from our clinic.
Many falls have causes you can work on
Falls often come from physical changes that build up gradually, like weaker legs, poorer balance and slower reactions, often without being noticed until a fall. An Exercise Physiologist can measure these and train them.
Leg weakness
Less strength makes it harder to stay upright, recover from a stumble and get up from a chair.
Balance
Balance relies on your eyes, inner ear, feet and muscles working together. It can decline with age, and it can be trained.
Slower reactions
Catching yourself when you trip depends on how quickly and accurately you step. That's a skill you can practise.
A program built around your risk factors
We start with a falls risk assessment and design your program around what we find, not a generic class.
Falls risk assessment
Validated tests including the Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale and 30-second chair stand.
Progressive balance
Standing and stepping challenges that get harder as your balance improves.
Stepping practice
Training quick, accurate steps to help you recover when you trip or stumble.
Leg strength
Strength training for the hips, thighs and ankles, the muscles that keep you upright.
Walking
Checking your walking pattern, step length and foot clearance, and practising improvements.
Dual tasks
Staying steady while talking, carrying things or thinking, just like real life.
Home safety tips
Practical advice on lighting, flooring, footwear and furniture to reduce hazards at home.
Confidence
Rebuilding confidence after a fall, so fear doesn't keep you from doing what you enjoy.
Before a fall, after a fall, or feeling unsteady
Falls prevention works best before a fall happens, but it's never too late to start.
What to expect from start to finish
Falls risk assessment
We test your balance, walking, leg strength and falls history using validated tools, and identify your main risk factors.
Your program
A program targeting your risk factors, delivered through our app with clear videos for safe practice at home.
Supervised sessions
We supervise and gradually increase the challenge as you improve. Early balance work is done near support.
Retest and report
We repeat the same tests at reviews so you can see your progress, with reports to your GP.
Ways to fund your falls prevention program
We'll confirm your out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.
No participant contribution
Exercise Physiology is a clinical support under Support at Home, so there's no contribution when it's in your care plan and your budget has funds.
How aged care works →Entry-level aged care
CHSP can fund Exercise Physiology for eligible older Australians. Your provider may ask for a client contribution.
How aged care works →GP chronic condition plan
If you have a chronic condition your GP is managing under a plan, and they refer you, Medicare subsidises up to 5 allied health sessions a year.
How Medicare works →Veteran Card holders
Gold Card holders are covered for clinically necessary treatment, and White Card holders for accepted conditions. A GP referral is needed.
How DVA works →Extras cover
Many extras policies include Exercise Physiology. Check your limits and rebate. No referral needed.
How private health works →Book directly
No referral or GP visit needed. Book online and pay our standard fees.
See our fees →Falls prevention FAQs
I haven't had a fall. Is this relevant to me?
I've already had a fall. Is it too late?
Will balance exercises feel safe?
Do I need a referral?
Can family come along?
Don't wait for a fall to act
Book a falls risk assessment. We'll identify your risk factors and build a program to work on them.
The information on this page is general and doesn't replace individual advice from your doctor. Exercise can lower the risk of falls but can't remove it entirely. Results vary from person to person.