How this service can help
Balance is affected by more than leg strength. Vision, footwear, medication side effects, dizziness, pain, attention, the walking surface and fear of another fall may all matter. A physiotherapist can assess movement and identify when another health professional should also be involved.
Healthdirect advises that a falls plan can involve a doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, pharmacist or other professionals depending on the person’s risks. The aim of our visit is to make the next step specific rather than relying on generic “be careful” advice.
Understand what happened
Talk through where, when and how the fall or near miss occurred, including any warning symptoms.
Check useful movements
Observe standing, turning, reaching, walking and steps at a level appropriate for the person.
Build a manageable program
Select balance and strength work that can be practised safely in the available space.
Review the walking aid
Consider height, brakes, wheels, turning room and how the aid is used on the person’s normal route.
Planning your home visit
Private home visit prices: initial consultation $165, follow-ups from $130, plus $20 travel for each consultation ($185 initial; follow-ups from $150 including travel). See consultation inclusions and funding. We confirm the applicable fee and payment pathway before booking.
Check your suburb on the Sydney home visit service-area hub. Compare Support at Home, Medicare rebates and eligible DVA home visits before arranging care.
What happens from enquiry to plan
- Start with safetyWe ask about injury, dizziness, fainting, head impact and sudden changes so urgent medical issues are not treated as a routine balance booking.
- Assess in contextThe physiotherapist looks at the movements and household areas linked to the concern, with consent and without turning the visit into a building inspection.
- Agree on prioritiesThe plan may combine exercise, safer ways to approach a task, equipment advice and a recommendation to speak with a GP, pharmacist or occupational therapist.
Important to know
After a fall with serious pain, a suspected fracture, a head injury, loss of consciousness or new neurological symptoms, seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for a physiotherapy appointment.
Trusted Australian information
Healthdirect: falls in older people
Common questions
How do I choose balance exercises for seniors?
Start with an individual assessment if there has been a fall, new unsteadiness or a change in mobility. The physiotherapist considers your strength, walking aid, health and available support before selecting a home program. A website exercise list cannot determine the right starting level for you.
Can physiotherapy guarantee that I will not fall again?
No. Falls can have several causes and no service can remove every risk. Physiotherapy may address movement, strength, balance and equipment as part of a wider prevention plan.
Should I stop walking after a near miss?
Do not make a blanket change based on a website. If you feel unsafe, use available support and contact a health professional promptly for advice based on what happened.
Will you check my walking frame?
Yes, if you use one. The physiotherapist can consider fit and everyday use and explain when a repair, replacement or separate equipment trial is needed.
Can family or carers attend?
Yes, with the older adult’s consent. Their observations can help explain patterns and they can hear the agreed support plan directly.
Is there a trusted falls resource?
Healthdirect provides current Australian information about causes, assessment and prevention. The page is linked below.