One of SEPHU’s key priorities is to prevent and reduce hospital admissions due to falls, particularly among older adults.
During April Falls month, we are highlighting programs and resources that support early identification and prevention of falls, which can lead to severe injuries, loss of independence and death, and can put significant strain on health services and caregivers.
This year’s Let’s Talk About Falls campaign encourages older people, families, carers and healthcare professionals to start conversations early. Signs such as unsteadiness, bruising or confusion may indicate falls risk, and early discussion can support timely prevention.
Staying Active with Dementia is a practical guide developed by the Monash RAIL Research Centre and the National Centre for Healthy Ageing that explains why staying active is important for people living with dementia, how to get started safely and where to find extra support.
Two recent webinars on Falls Prevention and Allied Health and Dementia Rehabilitation are now accessible online, featuring experts from Bayside Health, Better Health Network, Encara and Monash University.
The Victorian Department of Health also provides online falls prevention resources as well as practical advice on preventing falls at home.
Evidence‑based Stay On Your Feet® materials are currently being adapted for Victorian communities. For more information please contact Vignesh.Lingam@monashhealth.org
We encourage you to watch and share these resources to support ongoing learning and healthy ageing initiatives across south-east Melbourne. This April, let’s work together to keep our community safe, steady and independent.