Make your assessment practical
Tell us about near misses.
Trips, near falls and the places you feel unsteady – steps, the shower, uneven paths – help us focus the assessment.
About falls and balance
Falls become more common with age and can have many contributing factors, including reduced strength and balance, medicines, vision, footwear and home hazards. Many people who have had a fall also lose confidence and move less.
What happens at your appointment
We discuss falls history, health conditions and goals, then assess balance, leg strength, walking and getting up from a chair. A family member or support person is welcome to attend. We may suggest your GP review medicines or other factors.
Care options we may discuss
- Progressive balance and strength exercises.
- Walking practice and advice on walking aids.
- Practical tips for getting up after a fall.
- Footwear advice, with podiatry input if helpful.
- Coordination with your GP or aged care provider.
Exercise programs that challenge balance are recommended in Australian falls-prevention guidance. Individual responses vary.
When to seek medical help first
See a doctor promptly after a fall with a head injury, new confusion, or pain that stops you walking, or if you have had several unexplained falls or blackouts.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell. See your GP promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, keeps getting worse, wakes you every night, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or other new symptoms.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home or WorkCover appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking.
Helpful questions.
Can I use Support at Home?
If physiotherapy is part of your approved Support at Home services, it may be funded through your provider. See Support at Home physiotherapy.
Can my family come?
Yes. A family member or carer is welcome to join the appointment.
Are these home visits?
Appointments are held at our Elizabeth Park clinic. Call to discuss whether a clinic appointment suits you.
More information: healthdirect: falls. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
Published .