NDIS physiotherapy for falls prevention at home may help identify movement-related risks, build suitable strength and balance strategies, and make everyday activities safer. A physiotherapist may assess walking, transfers, balance, physical capacity and the way the participant moves through their usual environment. Falls can have several causes, so physiotherapy may be one part of a broader plan involving a GP, occupational therapist, pharmacist, optometrist or other professionals.
This guide explains what a home-based falls assessment may involve, what information is useful to share and how participants and support people can prepare. It does not replace individual assessment or emergency care, and no service can guarantee that a person will never fall.
Why falls and near falls should be discussed
A fall is not always caused by a single problem. Changes in balance, muscle strength, sensation, vision, blood pressure, medication, pain, fatigue, footwear, mobility aids and the home environment can all be relevant. A near fall—such as grabbing furniture to avoid going down—can also provide useful information even when there was no injury.
Healthdirect advises people to speak with a doctor after a fall, even if they feel well, because a fall can be connected with different health issues. If a fall causes a serious injury, severe symptoms or an immediate safety concern, call triple zero (000) or seek urgent medical care. Routine physiotherapy is not an emergency service.
What may an NDIS physiotherapist assess at home?
A home visit allows the assessment to relate to real routines and spaces. With the participant’s consent, the physiotherapist may discuss or observe:
- falls, near falls and situations where the participant feels unsteady;
- walking in commonly used rooms, hallways or outdoor areas;
- standing up from a chair, bed or toilet using the usual supports;
- balance, lower-limb strength, coordination and endurance;
- how fatigue, pain or confidence affects movement;
- the fit and use of an existing mobility aid, within the physiotherapist’s scope;
- footwear and surfaces relevant to walking; and
- the physical demands of meaningful daily or community activities.
The assessment should be adapted to the participant. Not every task is appropriate for every person, and the participant can ask questions, request a pause or decline an activity. CEO Therapy’s guide to a first NDIS physiotherapy home visit explains how to prepare for a broader initial assessment.
How NDIS physiotherapy for falls prevention at home may help
After assessment, the physiotherapist may discuss a plan that addresses factors within physiotherapy scope. Depending on the individual, this could include:
- an individual strength or balance program with clear safety instructions;
- practice of transfers or walking tasks that matter in daily life;
- education about pacing, fatigue and planning movement during the day;
- review of how an existing mobility aid is used;
- strategies for getting through a specific doorway, step or frequently used area; and
- communication with other treating professionals or support people when the participant consents.
Healthdirect notes that exercises aimed at balance and the ability to move can reduce harm from falls for some people, and that a physiotherapist may provide an appropriate program. This does not mean downloading a generic balance routine is safe. Exercise choice, support, dosage and progression should reflect the participant’s health, current ability and environment.
Home hazards may need more than physiotherapy
Lighting, clutter, loose mats, wet surfaces, cords, uneven paths and unsuitable footwear can contribute to falls. NSW Health’s home-safety guidance encourages people to keep walkways clear, address slipping and tripping hazards, use advised walking aids and speak with a health professional about strength and balance exercise.
A physiotherapist may notice an environmental issue during a visit, but detailed home modification or equipment assessment may require an occupational therapist or another appropriate professional. Medication review belongs with a doctor or pharmacist, while vision concerns may need an optometrist or medical assessment. A coordinated response is often more useful than treating every fall as a strength problem.
Preparing useful information for the appointment
Participants and support people do not need to diagnose the cause of a fall. A simple record can help the treating team understand what happened. Where possible, note:
- the date, time and location of each fall or near fall;
- the activity happening immediately beforehand;
- whether there was dizziness, weakness, pain, rushing or unusual fatigue;
- the footwear and mobility aid being used;
- any injury, head impact or change in function afterwards;
- how the participant got up or received help; and
- what the participant now avoids or feels less confident doing.
Share urgent or medical concerns with the appropriate health service rather than waiting for the next routine appointment. Bring relevant reports, mobility aids and current exercise instructions if the participant chooses to share them.
The participant’s goals should guide the plan
“Prevent falls” may feel important, but it can be difficult to measure and may imply a guarantee. A more functional therapy goal could focus on moving from the bedroom to the bathroom with the agreed support, completing a transfer using a practised technique, or building confidence for a chosen community activity.
Progress might be discussed through the participant’s confidence, level of assistance, number of rests, safe completion of an agreed task or suitable clinical measures. Maintaining an important ability can also be meaningful. The overview of what an NDIS physiotherapist does describes how mobility and physical capacity may connect with everyday participation.
Can an NDIS plan fund falls-related physiotherapy?
The NDIS identifies physiotherapy as a type of therapy support that may be funded when it meets all applicable funding criteria. Current NDIS guidance says therapy supports may address mobility and movement and must be delivered by appropriately qualified or registered allied health professionals.
Whether a particular assessment, treatment or report can be paid from a participant’s plan depends on their disability-related needs, plan, stated supports, management arrangements and current NDIS rules. A provider cannot promise that the NDIA or a plan manager will approve a service. Check the plan and proposed service before booking.
Discussing home-based falls concerns with CEO Therapy
CEO Therapy provides mobile NDIS physiotherapy across Western and South West Sydney, subject to location, clinical suitability and current availability. Learn more on the NDIS physiotherapy service page.
Participants, families, carers and support coordinators can use the enquiry form to share the suburb, mobility concerns, recent falls or near falls and preferred appointment type. CEO Therapy can discuss possible next steps without guaranteeing funding or a clinical result.