Fall prevention on program agenda

Local residents will have a chance to take part in a free falls prevention course for the second year in a row, thanks to funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

Identifying a need for falls prevention education, local allied health professionals Julie Ruzich Physiotherapy and Functional Solutions Occupational Therapist Sarah Lindsay partnered in 2024 to deliver a Move Your Body community falls prevention program at no cost for participants through the Stay On Your Feet® Community Grant.

Initially, the program was only planned for twenty participants, but to accommodate overwhelming interest from community members, an additional class was added to the program.

Forty older adults in the region attended an eight-week Otago Exercise Program, featuring 17 strength and balance exercises and a walking program.

Participants received instructions and ankle weights to encourage ongoing strength and balance exercises at home during and after the program.

Initial assessments were conducted to establish baselines for strength and balance with follow-up assessments completed for evaluation.

The team hosted sessions which highlighted the importance of building strength, challenging balance, and home safety to reduce the risk of falls.

Participants reported increased social connections, with friendships formed, highlighting the sense of community built among peers.

Julie Ruzich and Sarah Lindsay are back for a second year to deliver another free falls prevention program for adults in the community after receiving the AMR Shire grant.

This program will run on Fridays for 6 weeks at the Margaret River Men’s Shed.

The exercises are suitable for interested participants over 65 years of age who have a falls history or high risk of falling.

Spaces are limited to 20 with all resources provided.

For information including how to register, email admin@functionalsolutionsot.com.au or call 0418 903 456.