A fall can happen in seconds. The consequences can last for months. For many older Australians, the home is where they feel most comfortable and independent. But it is also where many serious injuries occur.
The latest Australian injury data shows just how significant falls have become. In 2024–25, 253,800 Australians were hospitalised following a fall. Falls accounted for 43.4% of all injury hospitalisations, making them the leading cause of injury hospitalisation in Australia. For older Australians, the risk is considerably higher.
Falls are a major health issue for older Australians
In 2024–25, Australians aged 65 and over had a fall-related hospitalisation rate of 3,275.3 per 100,000 people. That was around 12 times the rate for adults aged 25–44, which was 268.1 per 100,000. For people aged 85 and over, the rate was even higher at 10,065 hospitalisations per 100,000 people.
These numbers aren’t simply statistics. Behind every hospitalisation is a person whose mobility, confidence, independence or ability to live at home may be affected. And sometimes, a fall can change much more than that.
The home is an important part of the picture
The home is the most common specified location for hospitalised injuries in Australia. In 2024–25, where the place of injury was known, there were 175,398 injury hospitalisations that occurred at home. Among people aged 65 and over, there were 97,106 hospitalisations from injuries occurring at home, representing a rate of 2,036.4 per 100,000 people.
Importantly, place-of-occurrence information was missing for around 38.8% of injury hospitalisation records, so these figures should not be interpreted as capturing every injury that occurred at home. Still, the message is clear: home safety deserves attention.
Many falls aren’t dramatic
When people think about falls, they may imagine someone falling down a staircase or slipping in the shower. But the most common specified type of fall resulting in hospitalisation in 2024–25 was a same-level fall caused by slipping, tripping or stumbling. That means the potential hazards aren’t always obvious.
They can include:
- A loose mat
- A cluttered walkway
- Poor lighting
- A change in floor level
- A slippery bathroom surface
- Difficulty getting in and out of the shower
- A lack of support near the toilet
- Stairs that have become harder to manage
- Furniture positioned in a way that restricts movement
- Difficulty using a mobility aid safely around the home
Sometimes the issue isn’t the home itself. It is a change in the person’s mobility, balance, strength, vision or ability to perform everyday tasks. And that is why simply looking around for hazards may not be enough.
A fall can have serious consequences
Falls don’t always result in a minor injury. In 2024–25, fall-related hospitalisations had an average hospital stay of 4.8 days, compared with 3.4 days for all hospitalised injuries. The in-hospital death rate for fall injuries was also higher than for injuries overall. The impact can also extend beyond the physical injury.
After a fall, someone may become less confident moving around their home. They may start avoiding the shower, stairs or parts of the house. They may become more reliant on family members or carers for everyday activities. In some cases, a relatively small change in confidence can lead to a significant reduction in independence.
Could your home be working against you?
A useful question isn’t simply: “Is my home safe?” It is: “Can I safely do the things I want and need to do in my home?”
Can you get in and out of the shower confidently? Can you get up from the toilet without difficulty? Can you move safely between rooms?
Can you get in and out of your front door? Can you use the stairs safely? Can you carry something while moving around the kitchen?
Can you get out of bed safely at night? Can you access the parts of your home you use every day?
If the answer to any of these questions has changed recently, it may be worth having the situation assessed.
An OT home assessment can look beyond the obvious
An occupational therapist can assess how a person is functioning within their home environment and identify barriers that may be affecting safety, independence and everyday activities. Rather than simply asking whether a bathroom needs a grab rail, for example, an OT can consider why the person is having difficulty, how they move, what they are trying to achieve and what solution may be appropriate.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances, recommendations may include changes to the bathroom, entry and exit areas, stairs, bedrooms, kitchens or other parts of the home. The goal isn’t necessarily to make major changes.
Sometimes a relatively simple modification or change in equipment can make an important difference.
Don’t wait for a fall
One of the most important messages about falls is that you don’t necessarily have to wait for one to happen before looking at home safety.
A change in mobility. A recent near miss. Increasing difficulty getting into the shower. Avoiding the stairs. Needing more assistance with everyday tasks. Feeling less confident moving around the house.
These can all be reasons to consider whether the home still works well for the person living in it. Early assessment may provide more opportunities to address problems before they become more serious.
Making home safer doesn’t mean giving up independence
For many older Australians, the idea of modifying their home can feel like a sign that they are losing their independence.
It can actually be the opposite. A well-considered home modification can help someone continue doing things for themselves. A grab rail may make it possible to shower more confidently. A ramp may make entering and leaving the home easier. Improved lighting may make moving around at night safer. A bathroom modification may allow someone to continue using their bathroom independently.
The objective isn’t to change the way someone lives – it’s to help them keep living the way they want to.
A safer home starts with understanding the person
Every home is different. Every person is different. That is why the right approach starts with the individual rather than a list of products. At Home Access Group, we help coordinate OT home assessments that consider the person’s needs, goals, functional abilities and home environment.
The mission is simple: Help people stay safe, independent and at home for longer. If you or someone you care for is finding everyday activities around the home more difficult, an OT home assessment may be a useful place to start.
Your home should work for you – not the other way around. Reach out and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Information about Support at Home and the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme can change. Providers should refer to current Australian Government guidance when making funding and service decisions.
