Consider six simple fall prevention strategies to reduce your chances of having a fall:
1. Make an appointment with your health care provider:
Your health care provider can assess your risk and discuss fall prevention strategies, and they may want to check your current medication, any previous fall and/or any eye and ear disorders that may increase your risk of falling and or re-occurring.
2. Keep moving:
Doing regular strength exercises and balance exercises can improve your strength and balance and reduce your risk of having a fall. As long as your health care provider approves, consider simple activities such as walking, dancing, water workouts, tai chi or specialist training programmes created by a physical therapist referred by your GP.
3. Remove home hazards:
Take a look around your home for potential fall hazards and set simple changes to make your home safer such as:
- Remove objects such as boxes, electrical cords, coffee tables and plant vases from high-traffic areas.
- Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food.
- Use non-slip floor mats in your bathtub, shower and/ or beside your bed.
4. Light up your living space:
Make sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see.
5. Use assistive devices:
Your health care provider might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example:
- Handrails for both sides of stairways
- Bed rails
- A raised toilet seat or one with armrests
- Grab bars for the shower or tub
- Use a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering.
- Bed Alarm and Sensor Pads
If necessary, ask your health care provider for a referral to an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist can help you brainstorm other fall prevention strategies.
6. Wear sensible shoes:
Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan: wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with non-skid soles. Sensible shoes may also reduce joint pain.
At Alpha Medical Solutions, we understand the importance of reliable Fall Prevention Products. Our range of Falls Prevention products ensures our commitment to providing the elderly and NDIS Participants with the best fall prevention strategies to reduce your chances of having a fall. Browse our catalogue today to find the right Fall Prevention products for your needs.
FAQs
What types of fall prevention products are available?
Fall prevention products are designed to reduce the risk of injuries for elderly individuals, patients with limited mobility or residents in care facilities. These solutions include a variety of alarms, supports and monitoring tools.
Common fall prevention items include:
- Bed and chair alarms — These sensors alert carers when a patient attempts to stand or move unassisted.
- Floor mats with alarms — Placed beside beds, these activate when stepped on, alerting carers to movement.
- Non-slip floor mats — Designed to reduce slipping hazards in wet or high-traffic areas.
- Hip protectors — Specialised garments that reduce hip fracture risk during a fall.
- Mobility aids — Walkers, canes and assistive devices that provide stability.
These products work together to help maintain safety while supporting patient independence.
How do bed and chair alarms work?
Bed and chair alarms are designed to alert caregivers when a patient attempts to stand or leave a seated or lying position. They help prevent falls by enabling timely intervention.
Most alarms work using one of the following methods:
- Pressure sensor pads — Triggered when a patient lifts their weight off the pad.
- Magnetic pull alarms — A clipped magnet detaches when movement occurs, sounding an alarm.
- Infrared motion sensors — Detect movement or body heat within a set range.
These systems are widely used in hospitals, aged-care facilities and home-care settings for proactive fall prevention.
Who can benefit most from fall prevention and alarm systems?
Fall prevention alarms are ideal for individuals at risk of injury due to mobility challenges, cognitive impairment or health conditions that affect balance.
- Elderly individuals — Particularly those living alone or in care facilities.
- Patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s — Who may wander or forget physical limitations.
- People recovering from surgery or injury — Especially those regaining strength and balance.
- Individuals with neurological conditions — Such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke or neuropathy.
Using fall prevention systems provides peace of mind for families and caregivers while supporting safer daily routines.
How do I choose the right fall prevention alarm?
Selecting the right alarm depends on the user’s mobility level, environment and care requirements. Consider the following:
- Monitoring needs — Bed alarms suit individuals who attempt to stand unassisted, while floor alarms work well for those who wander.
- Sensitivity and comfort — Pressure pads vary in firmness and activation sensitivity.
- Alarm volume — Choose a model with adjustable sound levels to suit the environment.
- Wireless vs. wired systems — Wireless options reduce tripping hazards and increase caregiver mobility.
- Durability — Commercial care settings may require heavy-duty alarms with frequent use.
If you require guidance, feel free to contact our team at 1300 783 747 for personalised assistance.
How should fall prevention alarms be maintained?
Regular maintenance ensures fall prevention alarms remain accurate, reliable and safe for daily use.
- Check batteries regularly — Replace low or expired batteries to prevent alarm failure.
- Inspect cables and pads — Look for signs of wear, cracks or damage that could affect performance.
- Clean sensor pads — Wipe with mild cleaning solutions to maintain hygiene.
- Test alarms frequently — Confirm that alerts activate correctly before each use.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines — Each model may have unique care instructions.
Proper maintenance helps ensure carers receive timely alerts and users remain safe at all times.