The falls prevention and management rehabilitation program combines strength, balance and movement activities with education and support to help increase confidence in movement and help reduce the risk of falls.

The Falls Prevention and Management Program aims to help people:

  • prevent a fall or prevent further falls
  • reduce the chance of a fall that results in injury
  • provide strategies to ensure you are safer when moving around your home and the community
  • improve strength and endurance through an exercise program
  • increase confidence and reduce fear of falling.

Who is suitable for this program?

Someone who has:

  • already had a fall or nearly had a fall, even if it was just a trip
  • problems with balance
  • physical weakness that affects their balance
  • a fear or is nervous that they may fall
  • reduced ability to cope with day-to-day activities in the community due to balance problems.

Every participant is assessed for suitability prior to the start of the program. If the team feels you may be suited to a modified program, this will be discussed during the first assessment.

Information about the Falls Prevention and Management Program team

Our program is run by experienced physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Our psychologist and dietitian provide education sessions throughout the program and are also available for individual treatment if required. The program includes individual exercise and functional activities in addition to group education sessions.

Program topics include:

  • - individualised balance retraining
  • - stretching and strengthening exercises
  • - assessment and management of walking (gait)
  • - improving endurance
  • - recommendation of walking aids if required
  • - personalised home exercise program
  • - education and discussion of safety strategies
  • - practical demonstrations of techniques to assist with minimising falls
  • - information on completing activities of daily living
  • - a home assessment, if required, to ensure a safe environment that may reduce the chance of a fall
  • - safe community access.

The program is supported by physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as well as psychology services and dietetics if needed.

Length of the program:

The program is run over a 6-week period, twice a week for 2 hours. The program includes an initial assessment, a discharge assessment and a review three-months after completing the program.

Program type:

  • - Inpatient
  • - Outpatient

Available at:

Referring to rehabilitation services

Online referral form and contact details for Epworth rehabilitation services.