Researchers at The University of Western Australia will use a $371,120 grant from the HCF Research Foundation to train support workers to help ageing and frail adults prevent falls and stay in their homes for longer.

"Enabling functional independence at home is a crucial aspect of promoting the well-being and quality of life for frail older adults, who often face challenges that can limit their ability to perform daily activities."

Dr Jacqueline Francis-Coad, UWA School of Allied Health

Dr Jacqueline Francis-Coad, from UWA’s School of Allied Health will lead the research, along with Professor Anne-Marie Hill, from UWA’s School of Allied Health, and  Professors Leon Flicker and Chris Etherton-Beer, from UWA Medical School,  Curtin University researchers and community home care partner organisation Juniper.

“Enabling functional independence at home is a crucial aspect of promoting the well-being and quality of life for frail older adults, who often face challenges that can limit their ability to perform daily activities,” Dr Francis-Coad said.

“One significant concern is the risk of falls which can lead to serious injuries, resulting in reduced mobility and a loss of independence.”

Dr Francis-Coad said by training support workers to deliver a fall prevention program, older adults would receive targeted interventions that focus on reducing their risk of falls, ensuring they could continue to live independently in their own homes.

Image: Dr Jacqueline Francis-Coad.

“We’ve worked with older adults and staff in a range of health care settings and found that preventing falls is not always well understood,” Dr Francis-Coad said.

“While this has led to the co-production of videos, posters and booklets to help older adults better understand falls prevention, providing education and exercise programs in the home requires well-trained staff to deliver them.

“Training home care support workers to deliver the programs means they could be included as part of usual home visits.”

Dr Francis-Coad said by enabling older adults to remain independent at home, they could continue to engage in activities they enjoy, maintain social connections, and preserve their overall sense of purpose and self-worth.

The project is one of six studies across Australia that will address crucial health and wellbeing issues in our growing ageing population to receive 2023 Translation Research Grants funding from the HCF Research Foundation.