According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, falls were the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in 2023–24 and the leading cause of injury deaths in 2022–23, costing the health system more than $5 billion.
This impact highlights the need for preventative, community-based programs that support mobility and independence.
In response to this growing issue, newly employed Physiotherapist at the Stromlo Leisure Centre and graduate of the University of Canberra, Nimisha Gorasia, has established a new falls prevention program to help older adults stay active and independent and reduce their risk of falls.
Ms Gorasia said that the additional motivation for the program arose out of discussions during a monthly seniors’ coffee club when she asked members what help they most needed from her.
“People were reporting their concerns about having stumbles at home, and how they were becoming additionally cautious about doing some things,” she said.
“Given that there are many older Canberrans who live alone, and due to my previous work in aged care, I realised that this was an opportunity to make a difference.”
To access the program, existing members can simply ask to be enrolled via the reception desk or through Ms Gorasia directly.
Otherwise, members of the public can book via the Stromlo Leisure Centre website under Physiotherapy and select the 30-minute initial assessment option. Ms Gorasia advises to then highlight a desire to be assessed for the fall prevention classes.
The falls program consists of 12, 45-minute sessions and are sold as a package for $120.
Sessions are individually tailored following the initial assessment and can include things like lower limb strength exercises, balance activities, and talking about managing dual cognitive and manual tasks which can often represent a risk.
“These classes can assist with strength and confidence, as well as help participants to identify their unique environmental risk factors,” says Ms Gorasia.
The program has been launched to coincide with April Falls Month, which is an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the extent to which falls are a significant issue for many Australians.
Around one in four people aged over 65 have at least one fall a year in Australia, and research shows that many falls in older people are preventable. So, if you or someone you care about would like to learn how to avoid the complications that falls can represent, perhaps it’s time to book an assessment with Ms Gorasia.
