A fall can happen in seconds and, for an older Australian, the consequences can last months and sometimes permanently change the way they live.

Now a major Australian research project is examining whether something surprisingly straightforward can make a significant difference: teaching people how to recognise and reduce their own risk of falling.

Northern Health’s Safe Recovery Falls Trial has reached a milestone, with 1000 patients receiving personalised falls-prevention education since the program began.

The Medical Research Future Fund-backed project is being implemented across Australian hospitals and builds on previous research showing individualised patient education, combined with staff training and support, reduced falls among older rehabilitation patients by about 40 per cent.

A problem affecting millions of Australians

The scale of the problem extends well beyond hospitals.

Falls Prevention Alliance Australia says one in three Australians aged 65 and over experiences a fall each year.

It says about 400 older Australians are admitted to hospital following a fall every day, while 16 die.

Yet the Alliance argues many falls can be prevented and is calling for a National Action Plan, a public health awareness campaign and greater access to evidence-based prevention programs.

The consequences aren’t confined to broken bones.

A serious fall can lead to reduced mobility, loss of confidence and independence, longer hospital stays and, in some cases, a move into residential aged care.

Northern Health’s current trial is testing a more personalised approach.

Rather than simply telling patients to “be careful”, the program helps them understand their individual risk factors and become actively involved in staying safe during their recovery.

“We have had excellent engagement and strong interest from patients and staff on all three wards and are really pleased to see the expansion on Ward 20,” Northern Health Associate Director of Allied Health Uyen Phan said.

“We look forward to seeing the positive result and hope this evidence-based treatment will be embedded as part of standard care.”

What can you do at home?

Falls prevention isn’t simply about removing a loose rug. Risk can be influenced by balance and muscle strength, medications, eyesight, footwear and hazards around the home.

Bathrooms deserve particular attention because wet and slippery surfaces can increase the danger. Properly installed grab rails, non-slip surfaces and appropriate shower or toilet aids may help people who need them.

Regular exercise that improves strength and balance is also an important part of falls prevention.

And if you’ve already fallen — even without seriously hurting yourself — it can be worth discussing the incident with your GP or another health professional rather than dismissing it as bad luck.

The Falls Prevention Alliance argues Australia already has considerable evidence about how to prevent falls. Its concern is that effective programs and services aren’t consistently available to the older Australians who need them.

For Stephen Peterson, consumer representative on Northern Health’s trial, the issue ultimately comes back to independence.

Falls among older people, he said, can have a “negative impact on our independence and overall quality of life”.

With Australia’s population ageing, preventing the next fall may prove every bit as important as treating the injuries caused by the last one.

5 simple ways to reduce your risk of a fall

Build strength and balance — Regular exercises that improve leg strength, balance and coordination can reduce falls risk. Tai chi is one option; walking alone doesn’t provide the same balance challenge.

Fall-proof your home — Remove loose rugs and clutter, secure electrical cords, improve lighting and keep frequently used pathways clear, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.

Make the bathroom safer — Wet floors are an obvious hazard. Non-slip surfaces, properly installed grab rails and, where appropriate, shower chairs can make a significant difference.

Check your medications and eyesight — Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can contribute to dizziness or unsteadiness. Regular vision checks matter too. If you’re concerned, talk to your GP or pharmacist rather than changing medication yourself.

Don’t ignore a previous fall — Even if you weren’t injured, tell your GP or health professional. A fall can be a warning sign worth investigating, particularly if you’ve noticed changes in balance, strength or dizziness.