Falls Risk and Disability: What to do if an NDIS Participant is at risk of falls

Falls can happen for many reasons, but when a person living with disability starts experiencing more frequent falls, trips, stumbles or near-falls, it may indicate that their support needs have changed.

For support workers, family members and carers, recognising changes early can help identify potential risks before they result in injury, loss of confidence or reduced independence.

This article explores common reasons why falls may increase, what signs to look for, and what support options may help participants maintain their safety and independence.

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Why might an NDIS participant be falling more often?

An increase in falls is rarely caused by a single factor. Often, it results from gradual changes that occur over time.

Some common factors include:

• Changes in mobility or balance
• Increased fatigue
• Reduced strength or endurance
• Medication changes or side effects
• Vision changes
• Health conditions affecting movement or coordination
• Environmental hazards within the home
• Reduced confidence following a previous fall

In some cases, a participant may not experience an actual fall but may begin displaying behaviours that suggest their risk is increasing.

This is why paying attention to changes in day-to-day functioning can be just as important as tracking falls themselves.

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What are the early signs that falls risk may be increasing?

Often, the earliest warning signs are subtle.

Support workers, carers and family members may notice that a participant is:

• Holding onto furniture or walls while moving around
• Taking longer to stand up from a chair
• Appearing less steady when walking
• Becoming tired more quickly during community outings
• Avoiding stairs or uneven surfaces
• Declining activities they previously enjoyed
• Reporting dizziness or feeling unsteady
• Experiencing more near-falls or loss of balance
• Showing reduced confidence when moving around independently

A participant who begins limiting their activities because they are worried about falling may experience reduced community participation, decreased physical activity and loss of confidence over time.

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Why does confidence matter after a fall?

The impact of a fall is not always physical.

After experiencing a fall, some participants become concerned about it happening again. This can lead them to avoid walking longer distances, attending community programs or participating in activities they previously enjoyed.

Over time, reduced activity may contribute to:

• Lower physical fitness
• Reduced mobility
• Increased social isolation
• Greater reliance on informal supports
• Reduced confidence in daily activities

Addressing concerns early can help participants continue engaging in the activities that matter most to them.

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What should support workers, carers and families look for?

Rather than focusing on whether a participant requires support, it can be helpful to consider whether their level of support has changed.

Some examples include:

• A participant who previously walked independently now requiring supervision
• Increased prompting for everyday activities
• Greater reliance on mobility equipment
• More frequent requests for assistance
• Increased fatigue during routine tasks
• New concerns about safety at home or in the community

These changes may suggest that current supports should be reviewed to ensure they continue meeting the participant's needs and goals.

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What should be documented when falls occur?

For support workers and service providers, documenting observations can help identify patterns and support informed decision-making.

Useful information may include:

• When the fall occurred
• Where it happened
• What the participant was doing at the time
• Whether an injury occurred
• Any contributing factors
• Changes in mobility, confidence or participation afterwards
• Any recurring patterns or concerns

Accurate documentation can support discussions with families, support coordinators, allied health professionals and other members of the participant's support network.

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When should an NDIS participant's supports be reviewed?

An isolated fall does not necessarily indicate that a participant's support needs have changed.

However, a review may be worth considering when there is:

• A noticeable increase in falls or near-falls
• Reduced confidence moving around independently
• Changes in mobility or functional capacity
• Increased reliance on supports
• Safety concerns at home or in the community
• Reduced participation in daily activities

A participant's support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), allied health team or NDIS representative can help determine whether additional supports may be appropriate.

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What support options may help reduce falls risk?

The right solution will depend on the individual's needs, goals and circumstances.

Potential supports may include:

• Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Mobility aids
• Home modifications
• Exercise and strength-building programs
• Falls-prevention strategies
• Increased support hours
• Assistive technology
• A monitored personal alarm

A combination of supports is often the most effective approach.

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How can personal alarms support participant safety and independence?

For participants who live independently, spend time alone at home or regularly access the community, monitored personal alarms can provide a simple way to access assistance when needed.

If a fall, medical event or emergency occurs, a monitored personal alarm quickly connects the participant to professional support.

The benefits may include:

• Greater confidence when participating in daily activities
• Increased peace of mind for families and carers
• Improved sense of independence
• Access to assistance when required

Importantly, monitored personal alarms are not designed to replace support workers, family members or clinical care. Instead, they can form part of a broader support strategy that helps participants maintain independence while reducing safety concerns.

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Can personal alarms be funded through the NDIS?

Monitored personal alarms from a Registered Provider may be funded through the NDIS, where they are considered reasonable and necessary and relate to the participant's disability, goals and support needs.

Participants who believe a personal alarm may be beneficial should discuss their circumstances with their support coordinator, plan manager or NDIS representative to determine whether funding may be available.

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Supporting participants when falls risk changes

An increase in falls, near-falls or concerns about safety should not be viewed as an inevitable part of living with disability.

Often, these changes provide an opportunity to review supports, explore new strategies and identify solutions that can help maintain independence and participation.

By recognising changes early and responding proactively, participants, families and support teams can work together to support safety, confidence and continued engagement in everyday life.

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Looking for ways to support independence while managing falls risk?

As a Registered NDIS Provider, ‍MePACS monitored personal alarms provide 24/7 access to assistance at home and in the community, helping participants stay connected, active and confident.

Explore MePACS Personal Alarm Options →

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Sources:

www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/falls

www.healthdirect.gov.au/falls

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/falls-prevention

www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep-patients-safe/falls-prevention

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