Fall Prevention Strategies: Practical OT Advice for Staying Safe

Introduction

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions among older adults and people living with disabilities. But the good news? Most falls are preventable with the right strategies and support. Occupational therapists play a vital role in identifying risk factors and tailoring practical interventions that promote confidence, independence, and safety—at home and in the community.

This blog post explores common causes of falls, the most effective fall prevention strategies, and how occupational therapy can support individuals and families in staying safe and active.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls can lead to serious consequences:

Fractures or head injuries
Hospitalisation or surgery
Loss of confidence
Reduced independence
Long-term disability

Even a minor fall can result in fear of falling again, which often leads to avoiding activities, isolation, and physical deconditioning. This cycle increases the risk of future falls. Proactive fall prevention helps break this cycle.

Common Causes of Falls

Understanding the causes of falls is the first step in prevention. Some of the most common include:

Muscle weakness or poor balance
Vision problems
Hazards in the home (e.g., loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways)
Medications that cause dizziness or low blood pressure
Inappropriate footwear or walking aids
Cognitive changes (e.g., memory, judgement)
Fatigue or chronic health conditions

Because falls are typically caused by a combination of factors, a holistic and personalised approach is essential.

Top Fall Prevention Strategies

1. Home Modifications

The home environment can either support or hinder safety. OTs often conduct home safety assessments to identify and reduce hazards. Simple modifications may include:

Installing grab rails in the bathroom and near steps
Replacing loose mats with non-slip flooring
Improving lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and staircases
Rearranging furniture to create clear walkways
Using a raised toilet seat or shower chair

2. Exercise and Strengthening Programs

Regular movement helps build strength, balance, and coordination—all essential for reducing falls. Evidence-based exercise programs like Tai Chi, resistance training, or physiotherapy exercises can be adapted to all ability levels.

Occupational therapists may recommend daily exercises or refer clients to group-based community programs. Even gentle seated exercises can make a big difference.

3. Safe Footwear and Mobility Aids

Footwear should be:

Supportive
Non-slip
Properly fitted

Mobility aids like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs should be used correctly and checked regularly. OTs can assess whether these devices are appropriate and teach safe use.

4. Medication Review

Some medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure. An OT can liaise with a GP or pharmacist to review medication if there are concerns about side effects impacting balance.

5. Vision and Hearing Checks

Clear vision and hearing are key for spatial awareness and balance. Regular check-ups ensure that glasses and hearing aids are appropriate and up to date.

6. Education and Confidence Building

Fear of falling is a risk factor itself. OTs use strategies to help clients build confidence in moving safely through their environment, including:

Teaching safe transfer techniques
Role-playing scenarios
Building routine habits that reduce rushing or overreaching

Fall Prevention for Specific Populations

Older Adults

Older adults are more vulnerable to falls due to age-related changes in strength, balance, and vision. A home-based falls prevention plan may include:

Functional mobility retraining
Environmental changes
Morning routines that allow for a slow and safe start to the day

People with Disability or Chronic Illness

For individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or post-stroke effects, an OT can:

Tailor energy conservation strategies
Recommend fatigue-reducing equipment
Introduce assistive technology and home modifications

Carers and Families

We support carers with practical advice on:

Safe manual handling
Setting up spaces to support the person’s independence
Navigating NDIS or aged care funding for equipment and home changes

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational therapists don’t just recommend grab rails—we look at the whole person and their environment to create an actionable plan to reduce fall risk.

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we offer:

Falls risk assessments
Home and environmental safety assessments
Equipment trials and recommendations
Coordination with support workers or family
Education and exercise planning
NDIS or My Aged Care funding assistance

Our team supports clients across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions and is passionate about helping people live safely and independently, wherever they are.

A Real-Life Example

Margaret*, a 78-year-old living with arthritis, experienced a fall while getting out of the shower. After working with our OT team, she now has:

A non-slip mat and shower chair
Grab rails professionally installed
A clear, clutter-free path from her bedroom to the bathroom
A personalised routine to reduce rushing in the mornings

Margaret hasn’t had a fall since and feels more confident at home.

(*Name changed for privacy)

Final Thoughts

Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing or disability—they are preventable. With a combination of environmental changes, strength-building, assistive equipment, and professional support, you can significantly reduce your risk and stay active.

If you or a loved one is worried about falling, reach out to our friendly occupational therapy team. We’ll help you take proactive steps to stay safe and independent for the long term.