Far West LHD promotes conversations about healthy ageing

In NSW 30% of people aged over 65 fall each year, and 37% of injury related deaths are caused by falls^[1].

Beginning 1 April, April Falls Month is themed, Let’s Talk About Falls - Staying Safe Starts with a Chat, and aims to break the stigma around talking about falls by encouraging conversations to help older people access appropriate care and early interventions.

Far West LHD will have an information stall in the Broken Hill Hospital foyer from 7-10 April 2026. Each day a different Allied Health professional will man the stall between 11am and 12.30pm and offer activities that make you aware of your falls risk, with information on how to avoid falls. This will include balance tests, hand-grip strength tests, vital call alarms and more.

The Allied Health disciplines will be at the stall on:

• 7 April – Physiotherapy.
• 8 April – Integrated Care Exercise Physiologist.
• 9 April – Dietetics.
• 10 April – Occupational Therapy.

The public are advised of some early signs to look out for falls risks include:

• Unsteadiness when walking
• Holding onto furniture while walking around the home
• Signs of feeling unwell or unexplained bruising
• Confusion or changes in alertness.

When these signs are noticed, a simple conversation can make all the difference. Small, practical changes such as strength and balance exercises, medication reviews, vision checks or home safety adjustments can significantly reduce fall risk and help older people remain safe, independent and confident.

The Clinical Excellence Commission has collaborated with the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to produce a range of April Falls resources for patients, families, carers and health staff.

Clinical Excellence Commission Senior Improvement Lead Briony Chasle said falls prevention starts with awareness and action.

“Falls can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, independence and confidence,” Ms Chasle said.

“But falls are not inevitable. When we notice early signs of risk and start a supportive conversation, we create an opportunity for early intervention and practical strategies that help people stay safe and steady on their feet.

“Many older people worry that admitting to a fall means losing their independence. In reality, talking about falls is one of the most important steps we can take to protect independence. A simple chat can lead to small changes that make a big difference.”

Poor balance and strength are factors that affect a person’s mobility and increase their risk of a fall. By improving balance and strength, people can reduce their risk of falling and fall-related injuries by 23%^[2].

To find local physical activity and healthy lifestyle programs, including fall prevention programs, visit the Active and Healthy exercise directory.

Information and advice to support older adults to be more active is also available on the Active and Healthy website. This includes home-based exercise circuits designed for beginners to follow along at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.

For out more about April Falls Month visit NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network: https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls2026/