Falls Risk Assessment and Response Checklist for Aged Care
Falls are the most common cause of injury-related hospital admissions among older Australians, and in aged care settings, the consequences can be severe. Every approved provider is obligated under Standard 5 of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards to implement a systematic, evidence-based approach to falls prevention and management. This training guide and checklist equip your team to assess risk, prevent incidents and respond effectively when a fall occurs.
What This Training Covers
- Falls risk factors — intrinsic (health) and extrinsic (environment)
- Validated falls risk screening tools (e.g. FRAT, Timed Up and Go)
- Individualised falls prevention plans — what must be included
- Environmental modifications to reduce fall risk
- High-risk medications and their contribution to falls
- Immediate post-fall response — assessment, communication and documentation
- Incident reporting and post-fall review processes
- When to escalate — signs of serious injury
Key Learning Outcomes
- Identify intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for falls in aged care consumers
- Complete a falls risk assessment using a validated tool
- Implement personalised falls prevention strategies and document them in the care plan
- Apply the correct post-fall response protocol, including observation and reporting
- Conduct or contribute to a post-fall review to prevent recurrence
Who Should Complete This Training
All direct care staff, including PCAs, RNs, enrolled nurses and physiotherapy assistants. Physiotherapists and RNs should also be trained in falls risk assessment tool administration and falls prevention plan development.
Alignment to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
Directly addresses Standard 5 (Clinical Care) — which requires systematic, evidence-based approaches to falls risk — and Standard 3 (The Care Environment), which requires that the physical environment is safe and minimises the risk of harm.
Track Falls Incidents and Prevention Plans with Governa
Governa connects your falls management policy to real-time care records, helping clinical managers identify trends and demonstrate proactive compliance at audit. Norma can locate your falls prevention protocol on demand.
