Falls are not just a part of ageing, they are one of the leading causes of injury, hospitalisation, and loss of independence among older Australians (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). In this blog, we’ll explore how a person-centred approach is key to reducing falls and supporting compliance under the new standards.
Focus on Reablement
Encara delivers targeted reablement programs aimed at reducing the risk factors associated with falls in older adults. Our program incorporates the evidence-based Otago Falls Prevention Program which focuses on progressive strength, balance retraining, and functional exercises; all proven to reduce fall rates and enhance confidence and independence. In line with the new Aged Care Quality Standard 5 – Clinical Care, the need for proactive, person-centred, and evidence-based falls prevention has never been more critical (ACQSC, 2024). The goal is not only to reduce the risk of falls but also to uphold each individual’s safety, independence, and quality of life.
At Encara, we are committed to prevention before harm, delivering tailored care that respects and responds to individual needs. Each session is carefully designed to address the client’s functional abilities, clinical profile, and personal goals, with a strong focus on strength, balance, and mobility. Our programs are specifically tailored to identify risk factors early, provide personalised reablement strategies, and promote functional strength across both Residential Aged Care and In-Home settings.
Outstanding results have been achieved nationally with Encara’s Wellness program, Safe and Strong.
Encara’s Wellness Falls Prevention program, Safe and Strong, has delivered measurable outcomes across Australia, with a 40% reduction in falls among 46 residents at St Vincent’s Care Services. Participants achieved an average 28% improvement in balance (Otago Four Stage Balance Test) and a 31.25% improvement in gait and general walking balance through our physiotherapy.
Falls among older adults can lead to serious consequences, including functional decline, reduced quality of life, and loss of independence. In severe cases, falls can result in fatalities. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023), 140,000 Australians aged 65 and over were admitted to hospital due to falls in 2021–2022, highlighting the importance of effective prevention programs, like Safe and Strong.
Success Stories
Encara’s Falls Prevention program, Safe and Strong prioritises individual rehabilitation needs. Physiotherapist Vijay noted: “A few residents came to the facility after hospital stays for broken hips. With intensive rehabilitation, they made significant progress from reliance on higher-level gait aids to regaining their previous mobility levels.”
Similarly, Senior Physiotherapist Rahul demonstrated the program’s success with an 81-year-old resident. Over five months and 18 individual Physiotherapy visits, the resident improved her physical mobility scale score from 19/45 to 24/45 and progressed from wheelchair reliance to achieving a 30-second tandem stance balance.
Partner with Encara
Encara incorporates the internationally recognised Otago Falls Prevention Program. This model not only enhances client autonomy but also fosters consistency in daily routines, making it easier to integrate falls prevention into everyday life.
Encara’s approach ensures that clients, whether in residential care or at home, benefit from targeted, evidence-based strategies that promote safety, improve mobility, and preserve independence.
Encara’s physiotherapy services are available for Residential Aged Care facilities and in-home settings. For more information on how we can help, contact us via this link or call 1300 761 965.
