Falls represent a significant public health concern in the City of Karratha, with data indicating a notably higher fall rate than the state average, impacting adults aged 45 and older most. Older adults, particularly those living in regional and remote areas, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are a priority population for falls prevention due to their disproportionately high rates of falls-related hospitalisations and fatalities.
Grant program partnerships
A gap in accessible, local falls prevention programs was identified within Karratha. To address this, Karratha Central Healthcare applied for and successfully received a Stay On Your Feet® Improve Your Health grant. In partnership with Yaandina Community Care services, Karratha Central Healthcare was able to deliver a targeted falls prevention program for older adults at risk of falls in Roebourne. Many clients accessing Yaandina Community Care services live with multiple chronic conditions, placing them at an increased risk of falls in the community.
Grant program activities
Focusing on the Fuel Your Body aspect of falls prevention, the project aimed to engage with older adults in the Roebourne community to increase their understanding of the importance of good nutrition and the link between nutrition, strength and balance in preventing falls. Additionally, the project sought to provide participants with a healthy cooked meal, as many local people experience food insecurity or are unable to afford food.
Throughout the program, 4 x 90-minute workshops were held at the Yaandina Community Care Service in Roebourne. Each workshop was facilitated by a dietitian and involved creating healthy and nutritious meals that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, utilising traditional foods and items that are locally available in Roebourne.
When cooking the dietitian discussed important topics and promoted cultural connection and engagement. Two sessions involved presentations and yarning with a local physiotherapist and podiatrist. Additionally, all participants were provided with pictorial and culturally appropriate falls prevention resources, including recipe cards and information sheets.
Each workshop had 6-9 participants, with 11 participants attending across the project. Ten of the participants identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and three stated that their main language is the traditional languages of Ngaluma and Yindijibarndi.
The project also aimed to upskill Community Care staff who provided meals to the Yanndina Community Care clients, with 9 staff attending sessions to learn about the link between nutrition, falls prevention and how to optimise their client’s meals.
Outcomes
Qualitative feedback was sought from participants, with all participants stating that they really enjoyed the program and had learnt a lot about healthy foods, the importance of keeping active and wearing good shoes for falls prevention. Program facilitators reported increased participant engagement throughout the program, including a strong willingness to learn about falls prevention and intentions to make positive behaviour changes.
The success of this program reinforces the importance of cultural relevance and tailoring initiatives to incorporate cultural elements, such as traditional foods and practices, in order to respect local culture and develop an impactful falls prevention initiative. A sustainable model has also been developed that can be expanded or adapted for future use.
Improve Your Health grant funding
The Improve Your Health Grants provide groups and organisations with the opportunity to deliver falls prevention programs for older adults within their community. Grant-funded programs may be appropriate for filling a gap in services, increase access to services or improving falls prevention systems.