Falls Risk Assessment Response Checklist

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions among older Australians. This training guide and downloadable checklist help aged care staff conduct structured falls risk assessments, implement prevention strategies, and respond safely and completely when a fall occurs — all aligned to Standard 5 of the Strengthened Quality Standards.

Published

May 29, 2026

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.

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