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| Health home > Aged Care in Victoria > Health & well-being > Falls Prevention | |||
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Falls PreventionPage content: Preventing Falls in Victoria 2007-12 Discussion Paper | Information and resources | Information for Seniors | Information & resources for service providers | Resources in languages other than English | Local government information | Additional information on Falls Prevention | Falls prevention projects Preventing Falls in Victoria 2007-12 Discussion PaperThe Aged Care Branch of the Victorian Department of Human Services (Australia) has developed a discussion paper to seek feedback about preventing falls among older people. The paper provides an opportunity for Victorian stakeholders to participate in the development of future directions for falls prevention in this state. Victorians only are invited to respond to the discussion paper using the attached Word template.
Information and resourcesThis section of the site provides information and resources that can be used by service providers, seniors, families/carers and others with an interest in falls prevention, to help reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. It includes over 70 resources, many of which have been developed by organisations funded by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services (DHS) to undertake projects in residential aged care and for people living independently in their own homes. Most resources were developed by health services or organisations for their own use. A number have been modified in terms of content and format/layout to enable other organisations to insert local information. In each case the organisation involved in the development of the resource has been acknowledged. All resources were reviewed by a panel of experts, and recommended for inclusion based on meeting set criteria. Links to interstate and overseas resources that met the review criteria have also been included. See more details of the resource review process. Falls prevention resources for use in a hospital setting can be accessed through the Victorian Quality Council's website in the Tools Supplement. If you have any questions about the Falls Prevention information on this site please e-mail Margaret Thomas (margaret.thomas@dhs.vic.gov.au). Information for SeniorsInformation on this section of the site can help seniors understand why older people sometimes fall, and what can be done to reduce the risk of falling and minimise the seriousness of fall-related injuries. The information is in different forms, including booklets, information sheets, brochures and checklists. Some of the information is for seniors living in their own home, and other information is for people in residential aged care facilities. However, some of the information may be useful for both groups. Click on the appropriate link below for the information you require. Information & resources for service providersIn this section resources have been included for service providers to conduct assessments, education sessions for staff and seniors. The resources have been divided into two categories, those suitable for:
Information related to the setting of your interest: Resources in languages other than EnglishIt is estimated that in Australia the population aged 65 and older from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will increase from 17.8% in 1996 to 21.2% in 2026 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2001). In some states and local government areas these figures are higher. In recent years most falls prevention studies have focussed on people who speak English, but falls also affect seniors from CALD communities. To date there has been limited research, mostly unpublished, looking at the effectiveness of falls prevention strategies in CALD communities. Further research is needed to consider the specific needs of CALD communities and to identify the cultural differences that may impact on the effectiveness of falls prevention programs. For example, how to deliver physical activity within these groups. Most falls prevention activity targeting CALD communities has involved translating existing resources into a limited number of languages for distribution to CALD communities, generally those most prominent in the geographic area of distribution. However, this is changing as governments recognise the need to provide culturally sensitive falls prevention resources. Falls prevention resources available in languages other than English, developed using a thorough process to ensure accuracy and suitability of the translation, are listed below: Local government informationLocal government plays an important role in helping to prevent falls in seniors through the development and provision of safe and well maintained public environments, facilities and through specific programs and services. This includes:
The information in this section relates to environmental public safety issues. Falls prevention health promotion programs, for example (education material, posters etc) and programs aimed at home and community care workers, are located in the service providers' section of this site. Find the resource you require by following the appropriate link below: Additional information on Falls PreventionDefinitions of a fall There are many definitions of a fall. For consistent recording of relevant fall-related incidents, the following definition can be used: 'An event, which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or other lower level'. - World Health Organisation. Resource kits/Guidelines A number of falls prevention resources have been developed that include a variety of resources and information within one comprehensive resource package, for example a combination of risk assessment tools, incident report forms, educational material etc. The aim of these resource kits and guidelines is to not only provide organisations with resources but also to provide a framework about how to develop and implement a falls prevention program. These resource kits and guidelines are available directly from the specific organisation, or in some cases via a direct web link. Click on the appropriate link below for the information you require: Resource kits Guidelines
Falls prevention projectsAged Care provides opportunities for Primary Care Partnership (PCP) member agencies to work within an integrated health promotion framework to reduce falls and related injuries among older people. Agencies include health service providers, local governments, public sector residential aged care services and a mix of non-health sector organisations including retailers, schools and market gardeners. Projects funded since 2000 include: Make a MoveHome-based or group exercise and nutrition programs for Home and Community Care clients at risk of falls. Whole of CommunityThree-year projects to implement multi-strategy falls preventionprojects for people aged 65+ years living in their own home, in public sector residential aged care facilities or during inpatient episodes in acute or sub-acute hospitals. Foothold on SafetyThree-year projects to implement multi-strategy falls prevention projects for people aged 65+ years living in their own home. |
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Last updated:
21 February, 2008
This web site is managed and authorised by the Aged Care Branch, Rural & Regional Health & Aged Care Services Division of the Victorian State Government, Department of Human Services, Australia |
