Stay Safe This April – Updated Falls Prevention Guidelines
09 Apr 2026
This year, the focus is on the new National Falls Prevention and Management Guidelines for hospitals, aged care and community settings.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital stays and deaths for people over 65. Around 30% of older adults fall each year, and 15% suffer serious injuries like broken bones. In Victoria alone, these falls cost $504.6 million in hospital care in 2020–21.
Most falls happen at home or nearby — about 90%. Health professionals can help by:
- Encouraging regular exercise
- Checking homes for trip hazards and adding grab rails
- Reviewing medicines carefully
- Scheduling eye, ear, and foot check-ups
- Talking openly about fall risks with family and carers
The Falls Prevention Alliance Australia has also been launched to support healthcare workers in promoting evidence-based strategies.
For more tips, see the Better Health Channel – Preventing Falls at Home page.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/
Source: ACSQHC & ANZFPS