Community Care - Falls Prevention

The CEC recommends using the below tools to assist Community Care settings to prevent falls and harm from falls in older people. This aligns with the work of the CEC Older Person Patient Safety Program for the safe care of older people.

The following documents are guides for Health Professionals when testing a person’s balance and/or strength

This table outlines the best balance and strength test depending on what your client tells you. For example, if your client reports they are feeling wobbly, that they fell over a small object, or that they are unable to keep up with a friend, this guide can help you to decide on the appropriate balance and strength test and then referral pathways.

Balance and strength test videos

These videos demonstrate balance and strength tests. It demonstrates the test, outlines the equipment needed and explains the results and when a person should be referred to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist or a Falls Prevention exercise program.

This video shows a physiotherapist demonstrating balance and strength exercises that can be completed at home. Improving balance and strength will reduce your risk of having a fall. Also included is some sample exercises from the LiFE (Lifestyle Function Exercise) Program, highlighting an opportunity of how balance and strength exercises can fit into everyday life.

Visit the Active and Healthy website to view the strength and balance exercise video and find local group based exercise programs.

Resources

Installation and safe use guides

Introduction to balance & strength testing

Introduction to balance & strength testing

Length: 4:57 minutes

Platform: YouTube

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5x

5 x sit to stand

Length:2:45 minutes

Platform: YouTube

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Walk test

10 walk test

Length: 4:02 minutes

Platform: YouTube

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Step test

Alternate step test

Length: 1:29 minutes

Platform: YouTube

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Tandem Stance

Near tandem stance test

Length: 2:37 minutes

Platform: YouTube

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Timed up and Go Test

Timed up and go test

Length: 1:29 minutes

Platform: YouTube

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