The City of Armadale in Western Australia is conducting a pilot program to train residents in preventing falls by older adults.
Council rvecently received a $5000 grant from not-for-profit agency Injury Matters towards the program.
As part of the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) Program, up to 24 fitness and medical professionals will receive training in falls prevention delivered by a senior physiotherapist from Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital.
After the training, participants will develop and deliver a pilot program in the community.
The LiFE program is targeted towards older adults who are at risk of falling or have fallen and who have significant cognitive impairment that would impact on their ability to exercise safely.
City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said there are many older people living in the community that want to be remain independent and live out their twilight years in their own homes.
“The funding will assist to train those working with older adults and upgrade their skills and knowledge in fall prevention,” he said.
“As part of the Build Your Balance campaign, the program is a novel approach to exercise which aims to entrench balance and strength activities within the everyday tasks of the older person and keep them on their feet.
“Falls are preventable by removing trip hazards from the home along with improving balance and posture, keeping a healthy mind and strengthening muscles.
“With an increase in overall fitness and general wellbeing our older residents can reduce their risk of having a slip, trip or fall and remain independent for years to come.”
